Genetic diversity of Zannichellia L. (Aquatic plant) in Iran

Zannichellia L. (belongs to Potamogetonaceae) is a widespread aquatic plant genus widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems of Iran. Regarding to significant morphological diversity of this genus (two varieties for this genus in Iran), genetic diversity of populations of this plant would be high. A comprehensive study on genetic diversity of the genus is lacking in Iran. Regarding the considerable geographical location of Iran such as mountain ranges, deserts and plains that causes different habitat types even at a low connectivity, investigation of genetic diversity of this plant in Iran is important. Our aim was to test, genetic diversity of populations of Z. palustris corresponding to environmental geographical variations using ISSR and SRAP molecular markers. For this purpose, genomic DNA of ۱۸۰ individuals was extracted from the leaf tissue using the modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method. The results of cluster analysis using NTSYSpc version ۲.۰۲ and PCoA using GenALEx version ۶.۵, demonstrated high genetic diversity of the genus. The results of STRUCTURE analysis using STRUCTURE version ۲.۳ indicated eight genetic clusters (K = ۸) that refers to high importance of the role of different geographic barriers on high genetic differentiation of populations of this plant. A high level of genetic differentiation between populations of Zannichellia in Iran indicates essential information for conservational strategy

کلیدواژه ها:

Genetic differentiation ، Geographic barriers ، Potamogetonaceae ، ISSR ، SRAP