Morphological Characterisation of Global Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana, L. Gaertn) Germplasm Reaction to Striga in Kenya
Sirengo Peter Nyongesa *
Department of Biological Sciences, Plant Genetics Section, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100 Eldoret, Kenya
Oduor Chrispus
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O Box 169-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
Dennis Simiyu Wamalwa
Department of Botany, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, P.O.Box 333-40105, Maseno, Kenya
Odeny Damaris Achieng
ICRISAT, P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Rajneesh Paliwal
ICRISAT, P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Matasyoh Lexa
Department of Biological Sciences, Plant Genetics Section, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100 Eldoret, Kenya
Dangasuk George
Department of Biological Sciences, Plant Genetics Section, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125-30100 Eldoret, Kenya
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana, L. Gaertn) is an important food crop in Africa and Asia. Its grain is richer in protein, fat and minerals than other major cereals. The parasitic weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth seriously limits finger millet production through reduced yield in agro-ecologies where they co-exist. The damage of Striga to cereal crops is more severe under drought and low soil fertility. The main objective of this study was to determine genetic basis for reaction to S. hermonthica among the selected germplasm of finger millet through genotyping by sequencing (GBS). One hundred finger millet genotypes were evaluated for reaction to S. hermonthica (Del) Benth infestation under field conditions at Alupe and Kibos in Western Kenya. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of 10 x 10 square (triple lattice). The genotypes were planted both under Striga (inoculated) and no Striga conditions and plant growth was monitored to maturity. Statistical analysis of phenotypic data using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) PROC ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for morphological traits at P<0.05.
Keywords: Striga hermonthica, genotyping by sequencing, genome, susceptible, genetic diversity