RFLP- Based Gel Electrophoregram of DNA Primers for Acha (Fonio) Characterisation From Nigeria

Abstract

The evaluation of the molecular diversity of Acha (Digitaria sp.) was carried out using Microsatelite primer combinations specially designed forDigitaria exilis. The amplifiedmicrosatellite fragments were also used in the other species of Digitaria namely; Digitaria barbinodis and Digitaria iburua. DNA extraction was carried and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis was conducted on the restricted amplified DNA extracts using microsatellite primers developed for Digitaria exilis. RFLPs clearly suggest a distinct separation of the three species of Acha at the molecular level (D. iburua, D. exilis and D. barbinodis) demonstrating the extent of their genetic differences at the DNA level.