Inter-simple sequence repeat markers reveal a moderate genetic diversity among fusarium species causing common bean root rot in Uganda
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Date
2026-02-14
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology
Abstract
Aims: The present study aimed to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of Fusarium species causing common bean root rot in Uganda
Study Design: The study used isolates from a previous disease survey in Uganda
Place and Duration of Study: The isolates were collected from 6 different agro-ecological zones of Uganda. Isolation was conducted at the legumes pathology laboratory of the National Agricultural Research Organization at Namulonge, Kampala. The isolates were collected in 2019.
Methodology: DNA was extracted from 101 Fusarium species isolates using a modification of the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide protocol. Seventeen inter-simple sequence repeat primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction. The bands were scored for presence and absence using 1 and 0, respectively. The genetic diversity and population structure were determined using parameters such as polymorphic information content, allele divergence frequency, Principal component analysis, and admixture analysis. Analysis of molecular variance was also conducted.
Results: The average polymorphic information content of the isolates was 84%. The average Wright's fixation index (Fst) and expected heterozygosity were 0.2. The result of the analysis of molecular variance revealed that 0.2% of the variation was between the agro-ecological zones, while 99.8% of the variation was within agro-ecological zones. Admixture analysis showed that the isolates have an admixed ancestry.
Conclusion: Since the isolates from the different agro-ecological zones were similar, released varieties may not face extreme variants when they are planted in agro-ecological zones where they were not screened.
Description
This study finds that Fusarium strains causing root rot in Uganda’s common beans are genetically similar across regions. This insight helps guide the breeding of resistant bean varieties and targeted disease management, supporting smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. The research advances food security (SDG 2), poverty reduction (SDG 1), agricultural growth (SDG 8), and healthy ecosystems (SDG 15), and backs Uganda’s National Development Plan IV goals for resilient, productive agriculture.
Keywords
Common bean, genetic diversity, Fusarium root rot, intersimple sequence repeat
Citation
Erima, S., Nyine, M., Edema, R., Nkuboye, A., Orodriyo, H., Candiru, A., Hilary, M., & Paparu, P. (2026). Inter-simple sequence repeat markers reveal a moderate genetic diversity among fusarium species causing common bean root rot in Uganda. 29(2), 587–601.