Percentage Of Polymorphic Bands Research Articles

Identification of candidate AFLP markers for shell color of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) under artificial selection

The shell color of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is a desirable trait, but only a few genetic studies on shell color have been documented. Through successive selective breeding, four shell color variants of white (W), gold (G), black (B) and purple (P) C. gigas have been developed. The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique was used to scan the genomes of the four variants with different shell colors and one wild population (C) to identify candidate markers for shell polymorphism. Fifteen AFLP primer combinations were used, 1079 loci were scored as polymorphic loci, and the percentage of polymorphic bands was 95.5%. In the gold, white, black, purple and wild populations, the percentages of polymorphic loci were estimated to be 90.5% (G), 90.0% (W), 91.1% (B), 95.3% (P) and 93.2% (C); the expected heterozygosity values were 0.3115 (G), 0.3044 (W), 0.3102 (B), 0.3285 (P) and 0.3105 (C). The white shell variant was observed to have slightly lower genetic diversity than others, with a FST value of 0.1483. These results indicated that the four different shell color variants had high genetic diversity and that the genetic differentiation of populations mostly results from genetic diversity of individuals within populations. Furthermore, 11 outlier loci were considered candidate markers for shell color. This work provides new insights on relationships among color variants of C. gigas.

Effects of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity and population differentiation of Liposcelis bostrychophila badonnel (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) as revealed by ISSR markers

Liposcelis bostrychophila is a globally important stored product pest that is adapted to many habitats and is difficult to control due to insecticide resistance. We evaluated effects of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity and differentiation of L. bostrychophila populations. These genetic data were collected in Wuhu city, China using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR). A total of 108 discernible DNA fragments were detected, 107 were polymorphic and the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) was 99.1%. Shannon’s information index (I) and Nei’s gene diversity (He) from four populations were ordered (high to low) as herbstore > flourmill > bedroom > library. Population differentiation (Gst = 0.41) was average in these populations. Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) showed that variation existed mainly within populations (68.1%). At the same time, gene flow (Nm = 0.72) was interpreted to be moderate. Cluster analysis showed a small degree of genetic distance among different isolates and permitted grouping the isolates of L. bostrychophila into three distinct clusters. The study demonstrated clear genetic effects of habitat fragmentation on L. bostrychophila populations. Genetic diversity decreased and genetic differentiation increased between remnant populations when habitats were fragmented. Gene flow is not impeded by habitat fragmentation due to the impact of human activities. These findings are of great use for the prevention and control of this pest.

English

The blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus, is presently managed as a single stock. In this study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and 16S rRNA sequences were used to understand the genetic diversity and parentage of P. pelagicus from Makassar Strait. A total of 150 samples were collected from the sea, grouped by gender and morphological features. DNA genome was performed at approximately 23130 base pairs (bp) and mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences in the 500 to 600 bp. The percentage of polymorphic band using OPA-5, OPA-11, and OPA-17 primers was high (44.4 to 100%). Genetic identity ranged between 0.7266 and 0.9050 and genetic distance between 0.1008 and 0.3214. Alignment of 16S rRNA sequences shows 96 to 99% homology with P. pelagicus available in GenBank. Both RAPD markers and 16S rRNA sequences indicate that there was a high genetic variation observed among population, which formed two clusters. Specific unique bands found at 450 and 600 bp in OPA-11 gives an indication of hybridization among the population. The variation of white spot pattern on the carapace can be used as indicators of differentiation in population and parentage of P. pelagicus. Therefore, farmers or hatchery operators can continue to use the population as sources of natural broodstock. Key words: Portunus pelagicus, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), 16S rRNA, genetic, aquaculture.

Conservation implications of the genetic diversity of Gymnospermium microrrhynchum in Korea.

Gymnospermium microrrhynchum (Berberidaceae) is an ephemeral perennial herb with a limited distributional range in the Baekdudaegan mountain areas of the Korean Peninsula, and is designated a rare plant by the Korean Forest Service. Information about its genetic variation and structure is important for developing successful conservation strategies. To investigate the genetic variation within and among seven G. microrrhynchum populations, random amplified polymorphic DNA data were obtained for 207 individuals. The populations exhibited relatively low genetic diversity: the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) ranged from 32.1 to 66.7% (mean = 51.4%) and Nei's gene diversity (HE) ranged from 0.116 to 0.248 (mean = 0.188). However, genetic diversity at the species level was relatively high (PPB = 98.7%, HE = 0.349). An analysis of molecular variance revealed high differentiation among populations (ΦST = 0.6818), but the low gene flow value (Nm = 0.117) suggests a low level of gene exchange occurs among populations. Principal coordinates analysis revealed that individuals were separated according to population. The high level of genetic differentiation and restricted gene flow among G. microrrhynchum populations, which resulted from their isolation in alpine areas after the Ice Age, indicates that it is essential to protect and manage all populations, rather than focus on specific populations, in order to maintain the genetic diversity of this species.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the narrow endemic and endangered species Heteroplexis microcephala Y. L. Chen. in China revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA markers

Heteroplexis microcephala Y. L. Chen. is an endemic and endangered species found only in karst limestone regions in the Yangshuo County of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China: it is a habitat representative of species in the Heteroplexis genus. To provide basic genetic information for its conservation, in this study we evaluated the genetic variation and differentiation among six wild populations of H. microcephala by random amplified polymorphic DNA markers (RAPD). The leaves of 141 individuals were sampled. Based on 12 primers, 113 DNA fragments were generated. Genetic diversity was low at the population level (Nei?s gene diversity (h)=0.0579; Shannon information index (I)=0.0924; percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB)=23.30%), but relatively high at the species level (h=0.1701; I=0.2551; PPB=46.34%). The coefficient of genetic differentiation based on Nei?s genetic diversity analysis (0.6661) was high, indicating that there was significant genetic differentiation among populations, which was confirmed by AMOVA analysis exhibiting population differentiation among populations of 68.77%. Low gene flow among populations (0.2507) may result from several factors, such as a harsh pollination environment, population isolation and low seed dispersal distance. Limited gene flow and self-compatibility are the primary reasons for the high genetic differentiation observed for this species. We propose the collection of seeds from more populations with fewer individuals and core populations for ex situ conservation and suggest methods to increase seed germination rates.

ISSR Fingerprinting to Ascertain the Genetic Relationship of <i>Curcuma sp.</i> of Tripura

Molecular fingerprints of four different species of Curcuma, viz., C. amada, C. caesia, C. longa and C. zedoaria, found in Tripura were developed using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats. Twenty ISSR primers generated 116 loci amplified in the range of 200 - 5000 bp with an average of 5.8 alleles and 1.6 effective alleles per locus. The percentage of polymorphic band was found to be 86.29 with an average of 5.15 per primer. Based on UPGMA algorithm these four species are placed in two different clusters that validate the classification based on external and internal morphological characters. The polymorphic ISSR markers generated from this study will be useful for understanding the genetic relationship of different species of the genus Curcuma.

Analysis on Genetic Diversity of Radix <i>Astragali</i> by ISSR Markers

Radix Astragali has been an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over 2000 years. It is derived from two plant species, namely, Astragalus mongholicus [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao] and Astragalus membranaceus [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.] (Leguminosae ), according to the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. In this study, the genetic diversity and genetic relationships of Radix Astragali in China were analyzed by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 25 highly polymorphic ISSR primers were selected to amplify 95 Radix Astragali samples. Among 273 DNA bands amplified, 213 are polymorphic (percentage of polymorphic bands: 78%). The average value of the amplified bands was 10.9 for each primer, and the number varied from 4 to 20. The genetic diversity of the 95 Radix Astragali samples was analyzed by using POPGENE 1.32 software. The Nei’s genetic diversity index (h) and Shannon’s information index (I ) were 0.3590 and 0.5308, respectively, which indicated the abundant genetic diversity of Radix Astragali . The level of genetic diversity in A. membranaceus (h: 0.3109, I : 0.4657) was slightly lower than that in A. mongholicus (h: 0.3364, I : 0.4969). Considering the average genetic similarity coefficient by NTSYS analysis to cluster the A. membranaceus of nine habitats and A. mongholicus of five habitats, Radix Astragali samples were clustered into two groups according to place of origin. This clustering is different from traditional clustering, which divides groups according to species. Results obtained from this study will provide a theoretical basis for the molecular study on germplasm resources of Radix Astragali .

Genetic diversity and structure of the threatened species Sinopodophyllum hexandrum (Royle) Ying.

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is an important medicinal plant that has been listed as an endangered species, making the conservation of its genetic diversity a priority. Therefore, the genetic diversity and population structure of S. hexandrum was investigated through inter-simple sequence repeat analysis of eight natural populations. Eleven selected primers generated 141 discernible fragments. The percentage of polymorphic bands was 37.59% at the species level, and 7.66-24.32% at the population level. Genetic diversity of S. hexandrum was low within populations (average HE = 0.0366), but higher at the species level (HE = 0.0963). Clear structure and high genetic differentiation were detected between populations using unweighted pair groups mean arithmetic and principle coordinate analysis. Clustering approaches clustered the eight sampled populations into three major groups, and AMOVA confirmed there to be significant variation between populations (63.27%). Genetic differentiation may have arisen through limited gene flow (Nm = 0.3317) in this species. Isolation by distance among populations was determined by comparing genetic distance versus geographical distance using the Mantel test. The results revealed no correlation between spatial pattern and geographic location. Given the low within-population genetic diversity, high differentiation among populations, and the increasing anthropogenic pressure on this species, in situ conservation measures, in addition to sampling and ex situ preservation, are recommended to preserve S. hexandrum populations and to retain their genetic diversity.

Genetic and epigenetic diversity and structure of Phragmites australis from local habitats of the Songnen Prairie using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers.

The genetic and epigenetic diversity and structure of naturally occurring Phragmites australis populations occupying two different habitats on a small spatial scale in the Songnen Prairie in northeastern China were investigated by assessing amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphisms (MSAPs) through fluorescent capillary detection. The two groups of P. australis were located in a seasonal waterlogged low-lying and alkalized meadow with a pH of 8-8.5 and in an alkaline patch without accumulated rainwater and with a pH greater than 10. These groups showed high levels of genetic diversity at the habitat level based on the percentage of polymorphic bands (90.32, 82.56%), Nei's gene diversity index (0.262, 0.248), and the Shannon diversity index (0.407, 0.383). Although little is known about the between-habitat genetic differentiation of P. australis on a small spatial scale, our results implied significant genetic differentiation between habitats. Extensive epigenetic diversity within habitats, along with clear differentiation, was found. Specifically, the former habitat (Habitat 1, designated H1) harbored higher levels of genetic and epigenetic diversity than the latter (Habitat 2, designated H2), and population-level diversity was also high. This study represents one of few attempts to predict habitat-based genetic differentiation of reeds on a small scale. These assessments of genetic and epigenetic variation are integral aspects of molecular ecological studies on P. australis. Possible causes for within- and between-habitat genetic and epigenetic variations are discussed.

Investigating genetic diversity in sapucaia using inter simple sequence repeat markers.

Sapucaia is a tree species originating from the Brazilian Amazon and is widely distributed in Brazil, especially in the mid-north region (Piauí and Maranhão states). Its seeds are rich in calories and proteins, and possess great potential for commercialization. Little is known about the genetic variability in the germplasm of most Lecythis species. Here, 11 inter-simple sequence repeat primers were used to estimate the genetic variability among 17 accessions, and to determine the levels of genetic variation and the standards of population structure in sapucaia. The accessions were obtained from the active germplasm bank (AGB) of Embrapa Meio-Norte, Teresina, PI, Brazil, and corresponded to four occurrence areas. Ninety-six loci were analyzed among the studied individuals. High variation was found at the species level, where the percentage of polymorphic bands was 94.79%, Nei's genetic diversity (h) was 0.3110, and Shannon's index (I) was 0.4732. In the analyzed populations, the percentage polymorphism ranged from 20.83 to 94.79%, Nei's genetic diversity ranged from 0.0863 to 0.2969, and Shannon's index ranged from 0.1260 to 0.4457. Significant genetic differentiation was detected among the populations (ΦST = 10.66%); however, the greatest genetic differentiation was found within the populations (89.34%), between which there was an intermediate level of gene flow (Nm = 1.10). Accessions BGS 2 and BGS 4 were the most divergent, whereas accessions BGS 14 and BGS 15 were the most similar. Therefore, sapucaia analyzed from the AGB present an elevated level of genetic diversity and may have potential use in genetic breeding programs.

Genetic Diversity of Tunisian and Chinese Alfalfa (<i>Medicago sativa</i> L.) Revealed by RAPD and ISSR Markers

Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops in the world. The genetic variability analysis of 19 alfalfa populations collected from three sites in South Tunisia (Gabes, Kebili, Tozeur) and 1 from North West China were carried out using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Five RAPD primers amplified 44 bands of which 22 were polymorphic; and five ISSR primers amplified 51 bands of which 33 were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands detected by RAPD and ISSR was 50% and 64.7%, respectively. The resolving power (Rp) varied between 0.6 and 4.1 with an average of 2.02 for RAPD marker and between 0.7 and 6.5 with an average of 2.28 for ISSR marker. However the Average Informativeness band (AvIb) was ranged from 0.2 to 0.9 with an average of 0.5 in RAPD marker and from 0.29 to 0.7 with an average of 0.624 in ISSR marker. The RAPD marker revealed less within population genetic diversity than ISSR marker. Although Cluster (UPGMA) and Correspondence Factorial Analyses (CFA) indicate that populations’ clustering made independently both from the geographical origin.

Genetic Diversity of Populations of Saccharum spontaneum with Different Ploidy Levels Using SSR Molecular Markers

Saccharum spontaneum L. plays a key role in the improvement of stress resistance and yield of sugarcane cultivars by serving as wild parent sources, especially lines of different ploidy. To better understand the genetic diversity and potential breeding value of S. spontaneum with different ploidy levels, 62 clones from four ploidy types (2n = 64, 72, 80, and 96) were screened using 30 pairs of SSR primers and with population genetics methods. The results showed that the decaploid and octaploid populations had a higher diversity than nonaploid and dodecaploid populations at 30 SSR loci with >98 % percentage of polymorphic bands and >0.92 polymorphic information content. Both the octaploid and decaploid populations shared more common bands with commonly used parents than the nonaploid or dodecaploid populations. The analysis of Nei’s genetic distance and UPGMA tree indicates that the decaploid population had the closest genetic relationship with the octaploid population and that the two populations had a close genetic relationship with commonly used parents (controls). According to the population divergence analysis, the four different ploidy populations did not show an obvious genetic divergence (Gst) (0.0880), but clearly had large amounts of gene flow (Nm) (5.1840). Octaploid and decaploid populations appeared to have undergone more genetic exchange with commonly used parents, as indicated by the low Gst value (0.1254 and 0.1276) and high Nm value (3.4872 and 3.4186). These results may provide important insight into utilizing the diversity of clones with different ploidy levels in S. spontaneum for future sugarcane breeding.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity Among Kongpo Monkshood (Aconitum kongboense L.) Germplasm Accessions Revealed by Inter Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of Kongpo Monkshood (Aconitum kongboense L.) in Motuo, Tibet Plateau. From 70 accessions of three populations, 10 out of 100 informative ISSR primers were chosen for polymorphism analysis. Percentage of polymorphic bands was 50% to 66.67% with a mean of 58.42%. The effective number of alleles (Ne) was between 1.545 (population 3) and 1.586 (population 2), and the mean value was 1.564; the Nei’s gene diversity (h) ranged from 0.315 to 0.327 with the average value of 0.320; the value of Shannon’s information index (I) ranged from 0.459 to 0.478, with the mean of 0.469. Based on molecular data, cluster analysis classified the 70 cultivars into three groups. Most accessions were related to the geographical origin and their genetic backgrounds. Bayesian structure and PCoA analysis were consistent with the dendrogram result. Based on the analysis, it will provide a reference for Kongpo Monkshood breeding purposes and contribute to identification, rational exploitation, and conservation of germplasms.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Argania spinosa L. Growing in Arid and Semi-arid Areas of Morocco as Revealed by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats

Argania spinosa L. (Sapotaceae family), endemic to Morocco, is a multipurpose tree with an important ecological and socio-economical interest. Nevertheless, the sustainability of the agro-forestry system is now threatened by overgrazing and over-exploitation leading to an alarming decline in the number of trees. In the present study, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate the genetic variation and to assess the genetic diversity distribution within and among 17 argan populations growing naturally under semi-arid and arid climate. Thus, a total of seven primers generated 260 well-defined bands, with an average of 37.14 bands per primer. Studied populations showed a relatively high level of genetic diversity at species level and low level of genetic diversity at population level. The percentage of polymorphic bands, Nei's gene diversity and Shannon's information index at population and species level were 30.15%, 0.164, 0.217 and 98.8%, 0.172, 0.293, respectively. A relative low level of genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.39) was in agreement with the results obtained from the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Estimated gene flow was Nm = 0.781 among populations. Mantel test revealed a non-significant correlation between genetic and geographic distance (r = 0.065, P < 0.05), suggesting that the geographic distribution is not the major factor that shaped the present population genetic structure. The results can help preserve A. spinosa L. tree as an endangered species, however, refining these finding using co-dominant markers is recommended in order to establish conservation strategies.

Analysis on genetic diversity among wild Dipsacus asperoides by SCoT

To investigate the genetic diversity among wild Dipsacus asperoides in China, 66 germplasmic resources of D. asperoides were analyzed by Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT) molecular markers. Genetic distance was calculated by TREECONW software and the systematic diagram of genetic relationship was clustered by UPGMA method. The results showed that the totals of 181 bands were detected using 20 primers , among which 109 were polymorphic bands. The average percentage of polymorphic bands was 60.13%. Genetic distance changed from 0.030 6 to 0.181 4. The clustering results showed that there was no significant correlation between the classification of the wild D. asperoides and their geographical origin. The relatively high genetic diversity of D. asperoides provides the basis for breeding new varieties.

Biogeography and evolutionary factors determine genetic differentiation of Pinus mugo (Turra) in the Tatra Mountains (Central Europe)

Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers were used to assess genetic diversity within and among populations of dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) growing in the Tatra National Park (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) in Southern Poland (Central Europe). The analyzed population belongs to two different geobotanical sub-districts: the Western and High Tatras. The level of genetic diversity assessed in this study for P. mugo is generally comparable to that reported for the other pine species in the Pinaceae family assessed by ISSR markers, especially with respect to Nei’s genetic diversity and the percentage of polymorphic bands. Bayesian analysis clustered the analyzed populations into two groups, corresponding to their geobotanical locations in the Tatras. Significant divergence between the two genetical clusters was supported by the results of Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA). According to the Mantel test, there was no correlation between the genetic distance and the geographical distance. The present study confirms the existence of two genetically distinct clusters of P. mugo populations in the Tatra Mountains. The observed high population-genetic differentiation of P. mugo in the Tatras could be attributed to several genetic, environmental and historical factors occurring in this mountain area.

Genetic diversity of Barbary fig (Opuntia ficus-indica) collection in Greece with ISSR molecular markers

Barbary fig (Opuntia ficus indica) could be an economically important species as it could be an alternative crop extremely tolerant to dry condition and water deficiency. Moreover, it could be used in alternative sustainable cultivation systems and landscape conservation. In this work, we report the analysis of the genetic diversity of Greek Barbary fig genotypes using ISSR molecular markers. Six primers were screened to assess their ability to detect polymorphisms within twenty-two Barbary fig accessions and generated 57 markers (bands), with an average of 9.5 markers per primer. The percentage of polymorphic bands (50.21%) and the resolving power (RP) (28.85) showed the efficiency of the used primers. Mean values for GD (gene diversity) and I (Shannon index) were found as 0.215 and 0.355, respectively. The revealed ISSR markers allow distinguishing all accessions analyzed except for one case. UPGMA dendrogram and PCoA (Principal Coordinate Analysis) were performed to access patterns of diversity among genotypes. The high genetic diversity existing in the Greek germplasm suggests that it would be beneficial to utilize this pool in Barbary fig breeding programs and germplasm management activities.

Potential of Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) Markers to Estimate Genetic Diversity and Relationships among Chinese Elymus sibiricus Accessions

Elymus sibiricus as an important forage grass and gene pool for improving cereal crops, that is widely distributed in West and North China. Information on its genetic diversity and relationships is limited but necessary for germplasm collection, conservation and future breeding. Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers were used for studying the genetic diversity and relationships among 53 E. sibiricus accessions from its primary distribution area in China. A total of 173 bands were generated from 16 SCoT primers, 159 bands of which were polymorphic with the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) of 91.91%. Based upon population structure analysis five groups were formed. The cluster analysis separated the accessions into two major clusters and three sub-clusters, similar to results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation was greater within geographical regions (50.99%) than between them (49.01%). Furthermore, the study also suggested that collecting and evaluating E. sibiricus germplasm for major geographic regions and special environments broadens the available genetic base and illustrates the range of variation. The results of the present study showed that SCoT markers were efficient in assessing the genetic diversity among E. sibiricus accessions.

Genetic diversity and population genetic structure of Wels (Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758) in the northwest of Iran

The genetic diversity and genetic structure of four Silurus glanis (Linnaeus, 1758) populations were evaluated using ISSR markers in the northwestern Iran to understand the potential benefit of these populations for breeding purposes and/or any necessary conservation programs. Four populations were evaluated from three geographic regions; two populations from the Urmia Lake basin (one from the Mahabad Dam Lake and the other from the Zarineh River), one population from the Anzali Lagoon basin and one population from the Aras River basin. ISSR primers produced 99 discernible bands in the four populations. The Anzali Lagoon population showed lower level of diversity than other populations. The percentage of polymorphic bands and unbiased expected heterozygosity were 98.99 and 0.342, representing a considerable genetic variation through the studied populations. The analysis of molecular variance results showed significant variations among geographic regions (P < 0.001). Comparison of pairwise ΦPT values revealed significant differences between geographic regions; however, the Zarineh and the Mahabad populations within the Urmia Lake basin did not show any significant difference (P < 0.05). The northwest Iranian S. glanis populations were gathered into two discrete groups after constructed unrooted neighbour-joining tree based on Nei’s unbiased genetic distance. One group formed by the Anzali population and other by the Mahabad, the Zarineh and the Aras populations. The Mantel test revealed significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance matrices. The present study can suggest reasonable potential benefits of these populations for breeding purposes, while the Anzali Lagoon population needs to be considered for any future conservation programs.

Genetic diversity and relationships of wild and cultivated Zanthoxylum germplasms based on sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers

The genus Zanthoxylum, belonging to Rutaceae, has a long history of cultivation both for economic and chemical values in China. To effectively conserve and sustainably utilize this genus resource, a study on genetic diversity and relationships of Zanthoxylum germplasms was carried out by employing SRAP markers. We used 16 primer combinations to assess genetic variations and relationships among 175 accessions from eight cultivated provenances, including Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan. A total of 145 clear repetitive and intense bands were yielded, and the percentage of polymorphic bands was 100 % for per primer combination, indicating a relatively high diversity among Zanthoxylum germplasms. From a geographic perspective, the highest genetic diversity level was observed within Guizhou provenance (Na = 1.97, Ne = 1.52, H = 0.31, I = 0.46) while Henan provenance had the lowest genetic diversity (Na = 1.68, Ne = 1.45, H = 0.25, I = 0.37). Based on AMOVA results, the abundant genetic variation was mainly caused by variation of intra-provenances (84.96 %), rather than among provenances (15.038 %). The results indicated low genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.133) and high gene flow (Nm = 3.2605) among provenances. The neighbor-joining tree revealed that the 175 accessions could be divided into four groups, and groupings indicated a divergence between the cultivated accessions of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. and Z. armatum DC. Moreover, three accessions of Z. piperitum DC. var. inerme without prickles introduced from Japan gathered one cluster. Cluster IV is composed of accessions of different geographical origin, including 11 wild species and 10 cultivated accessions of Z. bungeanum. The cluster analysis also reflected a relatively close relationship between the geographical origins and the classification of accessions in cluster I. Structure analysis indicated that collected Zanthoxylum accessions could be divided into two major groups. The information obtained from our research would benefit to make use of Zanthoxylum germplasms and assist the management of a Zanthoxylum germplasms collection.