Genetic Diversity of Marrubium Species from Zagros Region (Iran), Using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat Molecular Marker

Abstract

This study concerns the genetic diversity and taxonomic status of <em>Marrubium</em> species from central and south-west of Zagros region, Iran. It is investigated by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat analysis. A total of 68 accessions from five <em>Marrubium</em> species were collected from their natural habitats. Molecular analysis was approved with 17 primers, of which 12 were carried out in the reaction mixture. Moreover, a data matrix was designed to estimate genetic parameters. To determine the genetic structure and taxonomic status, analysis of molecular variance, clustering analysis with <em>UPGMA</em> (Unweighted Pair Group Method Average) and the Jaccard similarity coefficient were estimated using <em>NT-SYS-pc</em> and Gene Alex software. Supplementary morphological evidences of calyx teeth features were also provided. The results of this study revealed that both sections <em>Marrubium, Microdonta</em>, and <em>Ballota aucheri</em> displayed a high percentage of polymorphism (PP=100%). In addition, their genetic diversity (Gst=0.99), number of effective alleles (Ne=1.53) and Shannon information index (I=0.51) showed a high percentage. Notably, all of the 12 primers produced reproducible bands. Analysis of molecular variance detected low quantities of gene variation among species (18%) from which high proportion of variation presented among populations within species (82%). Based on cluster analysis, <em>M. cuneatum</em>, <em>M. vulgare</em> and <em>M. anisodon</em> were definitely separated. Moreover, <em>M. crassidens</em> and <em>M. vulgare </em>were closely grouped. The calyx teeth features of <em>M. cuneatum</em> and <em>M. crassidens</em> revealed high variations which is consistent with molecular results. In conclusion, high genetic diversity in <em>Marrubium</em> species and accessions presents a valuable genetic resource in Zagros region, Iran.