Isozyme markers and taxonomic relationships among species of Vigna Savi

Isozyme markers are commonly used for studies of populations, taxonomy, and genetics in crop species. In the gsnus Vigna, they have been mostly investigated to assess genetic diversity in the V. unguiculata species complex. The aim of the present study was to extend isozyme analysis to other sections of Vigna, in order to evaluate their taxonomic relationships and genetic distance. Nine species were tested belonging to the sections Catiang, Vigna, and Plectoiropis. Interest in the selected species is high because they carry desirable trails, such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. For each species, several accessions of different geographical origin were analyzed. Isozyme data were subjected to statistical analysis. In the section Vigna, V. luteola and V. marina were found closely related, while the other species showed a greater genetic distance. V. unguiculata species complex, belonging to the section Catiang, formed a separate group when compared to the other species, although it may be close to V. Vexillata.