Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of genetic variation in Moringa oleifera Lam.

Moringa oleifera is an important multipurpose tree introduced to Africa fro m India at the turn of this century. Despite limited knowledge of the level s of genetic diversity and relatedness of introduced populations, their uti lization as a source of seed for planting is widespread. In order to facili tate reasoned scientific decisions on its management and conservation and p repare for a selective breeding programme, genetic analysis of seven popula tions was performed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) mar kers. The four pairs of AFLP primers (PstI/MseI) generated a total of 236 a mplification products of which 157 (66.5%) were polymorphic between or with in populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant differences between regions and populations, even though outcrossing peren nial plants are expected to maintain most variation within populations. A p henetic tree illustrating relationships between populations suggested at le ast two sources of germplasm introductions to Kenya. The high levels of pop ulation differentiation detected suggest that provenance source is an impor tant factor in the conservation and exploitation of M. oleifera genetic res ources.