Abstract:
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the major cereal cultivated in Benin and it is important to know its genetic
diversity to improve the yield. The genetic markers of important traits are evaluated in order to
improve the maize inbred lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Benin’s
maize accessions by SSR marker. Thus, one hundred eighty seven maize accessions from
three areas (South, Center and North) were analyzed using three SSR markers. A total of 227 polymorphic
bands were produced and showed high genetic diversity (Shannon index = 0.51). The
polymorphic information content (PIC) values for the SSR loci ranged from 0.58 to 0.81, with an
average of 0.71. Genetic distance-based UPGMA dendrogram showed a genetic differentiation between
accessions and they were grouped into four clusters in each area. This work provides necessary
information that can be used not only to improve the maize production and conservation
but also to better manage genetic species resources in Benin.
