Structure of genetic diversity in central Zagros populations of Persian oak (Quercus brantii Lindi.) using genomic ISSR markers

Any restoration and improvement programs for Persian oak stands require assessment of the structure of genetic variation within and among the natural populations and realize the genetic distance patterns. Vulnerability against biotic and abiotic stresses is the consequence of the reduction in genetic diversity. Genetic variation is crucial for natural populations of organisms to evolve in response to changing environmental variables. Low level of diversity in the gene pool of plant spices may lead to increased risk of extinction in the face to abiotic and biotic environmental stresses. Genetic diversity of 180 Persian oak trees from central Zagros region including Kermanshah, Ilam and Lorestan provinces was investigated. Fifteen ISSR loci amplified and 157 alleles produced which 99.17 percent (156 alleles) were polymorph. Allele number per locus was in a range from 4 (UBC814) to 17 (ISSR16) with average 10.47; polymorphism information content was different from 0.052 (UBC895) to 0.425 (UBC807). Amplified fragments were in a range from 150bp to 1800bp. AMOVA shows 20 percent of variation among and 80 percent of variation within populations. The minimum genetic distance was manifested in Lorestan populations and the maximum distance was in Kermanshah. Results showed the higher levels of differentiation among Kermanshah and Lorestan genotypes. Heterogeny of evaluated loci in populations in Kermanshah was more than others in Lorestan and Ilam. Cluster analysis led to groping of genotypes in five distinct clusters. Amplification and suitable polymorphism of ISSR markers in Persian oak and also a high level of molecular variance between populations are promising for the capacity of this molecular marker system to detect the informative alleles for phenotypic traits.