Genetic Relationships among Three Yarrow Species Based on Phenotypic Traits and Peroxidase Profiling

Abstract

Fifteen yarrow populations from different species <em>Achillea millefolium</em> L.,<em> A. biebersteinii</em> L. and<em> A. nobilis</em>, from different geographical areas of Iran were studied using 24 morphological traits and peroxidase profiles. Comparison of mean values of different phenotypic traits show <em>A. millefolium</em> and <em>A. biebersteinii</em> L. had higher plant height and crown diameter; however, <em>A. nobilis</em> had higher dry matter yield and 1000-grain weight. Clustering pattern, made on the basis of different phenotypic traits, grouped the <em>Achillea</em> populations differently and gave no clear indication of origin or species. The results of peroxidase profiles revealed that the genetic diversity of <em>A. nobilis</em> samples was considerably higher than in <em>A. millefolium</em> and <em>A. biebersteinii</em>. Principal coordinate analysis revealed a clear separation between the different <em>Achillea</em> species. The results demonstrated that the study of genetic diversity and relationships among <em>Achillea</em> species using phenotypic traits and peroxidase profiles provides important information for the collection, conservation and the planning of future breeding programs.