Genetic diversity and geographic relationship among 11 Dactyis glomerata populations using total protein electrophoresis

Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) is a perennial grass that is used for pastures and hay production. This study evaluated total proteins profiles of 110 genotypes of cocksfoot from 11 populations، to determine the extent of genetic diversity. On the basis of SDS-PAGE، 25 reproducible bands were used for analysis and genetic diversity was estimated based on the number of different protein peptides. Molecular weight of bands ranged from 7638 to 2768850 Dalton. The average of polymorphic band over total bands detected ranged from 0. 14 (in population Ardebil) to 0. 41 (in population Ourmieh). SDS-PAGE of total proteins showed high inter- and intra-population diversity and no clear differentiation on the basis of origin or source. The mean genetic distance among populations was 0. 045، ranging from o. 017 between Karaj1 and Ardabil to 0. 132 between Karaj3 and Pasand2. The correlation between genetic and geographical distance matrices was not significance (R =0. 02، p= 0. 280)، analyzed with mantel test، indicating lack of clinal trends in variation of total proteins. These results suggested that the genetic base of cultivated cocksfoot should be broadened by involving diverse parents in the breeding program. Expansion of the genetic base for cocksfoot breeding might be accomplished by systematic use of germplasm that differs in protein profiles and has better quantitative traits.