Investigating Genetic and Phytochemical Diversity of Cumin Ecotypes Cultivated in Different Rangelands of Yazd Province

According to economic value of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) medicinal plant, it is essential to do its genetic and phytochemical assessment to conserve genetic sources and achieve better quality of essential oil in breeding programs. This study purpose is to investigate genetic and phytochemical diversity of different cumin ecotypes in Yazd province.  
 
To study genetic diversity using 10 ISSR markers, cumin plants DNA extraction of four habitats, was done using CTAB method. The quantity and quality of DNA were determined using spectrophotometer and electrophoresis. Clear Bands resulting from electrophoresis of PCR products on 1.5% agarose gel were scored. To investigate phytochemical diversity using GC-MS method, essential oil from cumin seeds was extracted via water steam distillation method.
 
The results showed that ISSR-14 and ISSR-13 primers had higher amount of PIC (0.39 and 0.38) and MI (13.3 and 12.48) and number of bands (35 and 32). Cluster analysis using Jacquard's coefficient and UPGMA method, grouped four populations into 8 groups. PCA analysis showed three components explained 57.17% of total variance. The results of this analysis correspond with cluster analysis and match with the geographical regions. Analysis of molecular variance showed genetic variation within and among populations 93% and 7% of total variation, respectively. On the basis of GC-MS results, Propanal, Benzenmethanol, 1-phenyl-1-butanol, γ-terpinene, β-Pinene and P-cymene compounds were identified as the main compounds. Cluster analysis of samples on the basis of phytochemical parameters put Taft, Mehriz and Ardakan habitats in one group and Bahabad habitat in another group so that it doesn’t correspond with geographical distance.
 
Based the results, it can be concluded that there is high potential of diversity among cumin ecotypes. ISSR application in assessing genetic diversity of the ecotypes was successful. Grouping on the basis of phytochemical compounds didn’t correspond with genetic grouping.