Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Sorghum Landraces in West Africa Using SNP Markers

Abstract

Preserving genetic diversity is essential for crop improvement. This study analyzed 120 sorghum landraces from five West African countries using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to identify SNPs and assess population structure. Principal component analysis (PCA) and STRUCTURE software were used to define genetic clusters.
Four distinct genetic groups were identified, with clear regional patterns. Genetic diversity was highest in central Nigeria, suggesting a possible center of diversity. The findings provide a genomic resource for future breeding and highlight the value of farmer-maintained landraces in regional gene pools.