Unveiling the genetic diversity in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum L.) genotypes through morphological and microsatellite (SSR) markers.

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum L.) is a climate-resilient legume crop with significant nutritional value, yet its genetic potential remains underutilised. Understanding the genetic diversity in advanced breeding lines of horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum L.) can aid in developing effective selection method for seed yield improvement. This study evaluates the genetic variability and diversity of 22 advanced horsegram breeding lines using both morphological traits and molecular markers (SSR) to enhance yield and adaptability. Eleven morphological traits, including Plant height, No. of primary branches, Days to 50% flowering and maturity duration, Harvest Index, and Seed yield per plant, were analyzed to estimate genetic variability. Heritability and genetic advance percentage of mean were calculated to identify effective selection traits at early stage. Additionally, 30 SSR primers were screened to analyze molecular diversity, of which 9 polymorphic primers were identified. Cluster analysis, dendrogram, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed to group lines based on both morphological and molecular data. Significant variability was observed across morphological traits, with 1000-seed weight exhibiting high heritability and genetic advance, making it a promising selection trait. positively correlated with most traits except PH and primary branches per plant. Cluster analysis grouped the 22 lines into four morphological clusters, with HPKM-150 identified as the most diverse and high-yielding line. Molecular analysis revealed two main genetic clusters, with the primer MUMS-18 showing the highest polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.70). The study emphasizes significant genetic variability in horsegram, highlighting valuable traits and SSR markers for diversity assessment and future breeding to improve yield and genetics.