Variation in cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) based on single nucleotide polymorphisms, simple sequence repeats and phenotypic traits

This thesis presents results from four research objectives. The first objective presents analysis of cassava germplasm form six countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, D.R.C, and Madagascar) using 29 qualitative traits. Germplasm form these counties was further quantified for root dry matter content, harvest index, leaf retention and root cortex thickness. The second objective presents analysis of allele frequency distribution in cassava germplasm from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, D.R.C, Mozambique and Madagascar using 26 highly polymorphic SSR markets. The third objective characterizes and examines the utility of SNP s in cassava and compared them to commonly used SSRs. And finally, the fourth objective quantifies variation n in root dry matter content, harvest index and amylose content in S1 cassava inbreds.