Investigation of genetic diversity in endangered stands of Populus caspica Bornm. of sub-mountain forests in north of Iran

In order to investigate the genetic diversity within and between populations of Populus caspica Bornm. based on peroxidase enzyme and morphological leaf traits markers, sampling of thirty trees with over one hundred meter distance were selected in three sub mountain forest habitats (Neka, Golestan, Marzanabad). Two-year old branches were taken on trees crown to investigate quantitative and qualitative peroxidase enzyme activities. Thirteen leaf traits were also recorded in morphological study. Quantitative study of peroxidase using UV Spectrophotometer and qualitative studies were performed by polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Results showed that the number of main serration of leaf, petiole length, leaf dry matter, angle between the main vein and the second vein and the distance down the most broad leaf area to rule leaf were efficient treats for morphological diversity investigation of the species. By quantitative method, the highest and the lowest activity were related to Marzanabad and Neka, respectively. The qualitative results of the enzyme peroxidase showed the most variation within population in Golestan (15 ha) and lowest in Neka habitat (14 ha). Classification of isoenzyme bands and morphological traits showed high genetic differentiation of several genetic classes within and between the populations for the species. Whereas, three ecotypes of Neka, Golestan and Marzanabad were distinguished. However, peroxidase isoenzyme markers showed more efficient to ecotype differentiation. Also, peroxidase band patterns and morphological marker between male and female individuals didn’t show any differences within the populations