A study on genetic variation in Iranian Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) genotypes using molecular AFLP marker

Jujube (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) is one of the important medicinal plants belong to Rhamnaceae family. Jujube containes mucilage, vitamins, pectin, alkaloids, phenol compounds, and fatty acids. Therefore, it is important in the pharmaceutical industries. In addition to medicinal uses, the species has ornamental use as well. It has also been widely used in preventing soil erosion and desertification. This research was performed to evaluate genetic diversity of Iranian jujube genotypes using molecular AFLP marker. Twenty nine Jujube genotypes were selected from different parts of the country. Their molecular characteristics were assessed by 15 AFLP primers. Similarity matrix was generated using the Jaccard coefficient. Cluster analysis was carried out by UPGMA algorithm and Principle Coordinate Analysis. Twelve primers showed polymorphism. The primers produced 689 bands of which 44 bands showed polymorphism. Based on the dendrogram, the genotypes were divided to eight groups at 0.75 similarities. AFLP marker precisely separated the Qom, Isfahan and Khorasan groups. This resolution was very precise, so that Khorasan group was absolutely pure and separated from other groups. Cluster analysis result was confirmed by principal components analysis. Qom and Isfahan alocated in the same group. Therefore, the two genotypes may be considered as a common origin with high confidence. High efficiency of the applied marker in separation of genotypes was significant.