Genetic diversity structure of populations of Baneh trees (Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica) revealed by genomic ISSR markers

Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica is one of the most valuable forest species in Iran that has been damaged by uncontrolled exploitation of human being. Therefore، understanding the genetic diversity of different populations of the species، an important step can be taken towards development and restoration of habitat with high value of the species. In order to study the genetic diversity among 10 populations of the species، containing 59 genotypes via 16 ISSR primers، in general estimated 158 alleles of which 100% of alleles were polymorphic. Number of amplified alleles ranged from 3 to 17 with a mean value of 9. 78 alleles for each primer. Polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0. 16 (primer UBC866) to 0. 38 (primer UBC884). Marker index criterion ranged from 0. 48 (primer UBC866) to 5. 95 (primer UBC840). Cluster analysis could not completely separate the samples and showed lack of association between molecular diversity and geographic diversity of the studied populations. Principal coordinant analysis also confirmed the results. Kushk population indicated the highest value of polymorphic alleles (72. 15 %) and unbiased expected heterozygosity (0. 257) and Shannon’s Index (0. 364). While، the lowest value of polymorphic alleles (10. 13 %) and unbiased expected heterozygosity (0. 056) and Shannon’s Index (0. 061) observed on out Zagros population. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that a larger proportion of genetic variation (82%) belonged to within the populations، while only a small proportion (18%) observed among the studied populations.