Assessment of genetic variation in Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) based on morphological traits and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) genetic markers

Abstract

In this study, a combination of random amplification of polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (RAPD) marker and morphological traits were used to establish the level of genetic relationships and polymorphism among nine genotypes of Elaeagnus angustifolia collected from 9 different locations of West Azarbaijan province. RAPD analysis using 9 random primers generated 122 scorable loci, of which 103 were polymorphic (84.4%). The estimated Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.36 to 0.62 for RAPD marker. The cluster analysis was performed based on Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) and dendrogram plotted by help of NTSYSpc 2.02 software. The analysis revealed 4 main clusters for RAPD data. In morphological part, 20 traits were studied. Data analysis was carried out using NTSYSpc 2.02 software and genetic distance matrix obtained by MANHAT coefficient. Genetic distance coefficient ranged from 0.30 to 0.95 for morphological analysis. The dendrogram was plotted by help of UPGMA method in SAHN program and revealed 4 main clusters. According to our results, relatively high genetic distance among E. angustifolia genotypes suggests that E. angustifolia can be classified into subspecies level in West Azarbaijan province. Furthermore, it could be inferred that RAPD markers and morphological traits are suitable tools for evaluation of genetic diversity and relationships within E. angustifolia. Key words: Dendrogram, Elaeagnus angustifolia, genetic variation, morphological traits, RAPD genetic marker.