Genetic diversity and geographic relationship among 18 Agropyron desertorum populations using total Proteins

Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) is a perennial grass that is used for pastures and hay production. This study evaluated total proteins profiles of 180 genotypes of Crested wheatgrass from 18 populations، to determine the extent of genetic diversity. On the basis of SDS-PAGE، 46 reproducible bands in three zones and inter-zones were revealed. Although the number of bands in different populations were comparable but the density of polypeptides in some bands were clearly different in some populations. According these observations five differentiated Protein profiles were recognized and 18 populations classified in 5 groups. Differences among the profiles of different populations were unexpectedly bigger than intra-specific differentiation. There were not found geographic structure among populations with same protein profiles. According present and absent of bands were studied in genetic analysis، populations Hamedan and Ardebil; and Hamedan and Boeenzahra showed highest Nei genetic distances. These populations suggested for hybridization and production new cultivars with higher heterosis. However base on quality and dye density of bands in the protein profiles، pair wise hybridization among different populations of each of five groups were suggested. These results suggested that the genetic base of cultivated crested wheatgrass should be broadened by involving diverse parents in the breeding program. Expansion of the genetic base for crested wheatgrass breeding might be accomplished by systematic use of germplasm that differs in protein profiles and has better quantitative traits.