Diversity Analysis of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in Benguet based on Morphological and Genetic Characterization using SSR Markers

Abstract

Morphological and genetic characterization of 11 Arabica varieties using SSR markers was carried out. A high diversity index was observed among vegetative qualitative characters (0.73) in Arabica coffee accessions, and six clusters were formed using Ward’s method of analysis. Genetic similarities using SSR analysis among 11 Arabica coffee varieties were from 0.44 to 1.00 showing mid to high similarities. A cluster diagram based on the similarity matrix generated four clusters at 0.60 similarity index. Group 1 includes Typica, Granica fine, Improved San Ramon, Yellow Cattura, Granica Broad, San Ramon, and MSAC Selection while the second cluster includes Mundo Novo and Kenya. Moka and Red Bourbon were separated in Clusters 3 and 4, respectively. Our results suggest a potential gene pool in Arabica coffee in Benguet which can be utilized for future improvement programs. Moreover, the application of SSR in analyzing genetic diversity and marker-assisted selection can be employed on Arabica coffee.