Genetic structure and diversity of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) populations based on molecular, morphological markers, and volatile oil content

Elham Fadaei Heidari , Mehdi Rahimmalek ,∗, Shahram Mohammadi ,
Mohammad Hossein Ehtemam
 

Industrial Crops and Products 92 (2016) 186–196

Genetic variation in 117 ajowan accessions belonging to 25 populations collected from different geographical regions of Iranwere assessed using ISSR and morphological markers. Fifteen primer combinations produced 120 polymorphic bands. The cumulative dendrogram delineated ajowan accessions into six major groups in accordance with the geographical regions from which the populations originated. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) confirmed the results of cluster analysis, while morphological classification was not highly related to molecular results. Among populations, Farsfars and Yazmol revealed a relatively high genetic distance (0.54) and possessed relatively low (255.16 gr/m2) and high seed yield (435.9 gr/m²) and Yazd and Khorgh population had relatively high genetic distance (0.56) as well as high (5.55%) and low essential oil content (2.72%), respectively. About 30.33% of total genetic variation was detected among populations, while 64.65% of total variation was observed within populations. The studied populations showed high genetic differentiation (Gst= 0.35) and low gene flow (Nm=1.85). Among studied populations, Eastern and Western accounted for the highest values of PPL (%), Shanon index (I) and heterozygosity. The results of the present research could contribute to a better understandingand management of conservation and exploitation of ajowan germplasm