Genetic Diversity of African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Accessions Across Agro-climatic Regions of Tanzania by Microsatellite (SSR) Markers

The genetic diversity of African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) accessions in four agroecological zones of Tanzania using 16 microsatellite (SSR) markers was conducted for breeding. The study involved sixty-five (65) oil palm genotypes selected from the Tabora, Mbeya, Morogoro, and Kigoma regions. The CTAB and PCR were used for extract genomic DNA, and amplification, respectively. Analysed result showed that, at an average of 1.64 alleles per locus, 23 alleles were found across 14 polymorphic markers. Polymorphism information content (PIC) was varied from 0.0000 to 0.4192, indicating low to moderately informative markers. A limited genetic base among the genotypes was confirmed from the low mean gene diversity of 0.1748. Apart from accessions being categorized into five primary clusters, their band were not exactly corresponded with their geographic origin, suggesting historical seed exchanges and gene flow between regions. Limited allelic richness and moderate genetic diversity underscore the necessity of conserving and larger germplasm collection initiatives to strengthen the genetic foundation for upcoming breeding initiatives. The identified better oil palm genotypes are the bases for sustainable farming and genetic enhancement breeding programs in Tanzania. This study assessed the genetic diversity of African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis jacq.) accessions in four agro-climatic regions of Tanzania. Microsatellite (SSR) markers used to provide insightful for breeding programs. The study involved sixty-five (65) oil palm accessions selected from Tabora, Mbeya, Kigoma, and Morogoro regions. A total of 23 alleles were found across 14 polymorphic markers, with an average of 1.64 alleles per locus. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.0000 to 0.4192, this indicating that, low to moderately informative markers. A limited genetic base among the oil palm accessions was confirmed by the low mean gene diversity of 0.1748. Apart from accessions being categorized into five clusters, their grouping did not exactly correspond to their geographic origin, suggesting historical seed exchanges and gene flow between regions. Limited allelic richness and moderate genetic diversity underscores the necessity of conserving germplasm and establishing larger germplasm collection initiatives to strengthen the genetic bases for next breeding initiatives. The identified promising oil palm genotypes provide and foundation for sustainable farming and genetic enhancement breeding programs in Tanzania.