Morphologic and Genetic study of Halocnemum strobilaceum (Amaranthaceae) in rangeland ecosystems of Golestan province

Halophytes are able to complete their life cycle in saline soils and can be used optimally if there are proper management plans. Halocnemum strobilaceum (Amaranthaceae) is a perennial and often shrub that grows in the northwest, center and southeast of Iran. The importance of this plant is in soil protection and forage production with the highest percentage of plant composition in saline and alkaline areas of the Golestan province (north of Iran). Therefore, recognizing its genetic diversity, to select the best genotypes is necessary. In this study, the morphological and genetic diversity of 13 populations in Golestan province was investigated. Nineteen quantitative and qualitative traits were selected for biometric and morphological studies and then multivariate statistical analyzes were performed. Four primers were used to assess genetic diversity, producing a total of 27 bands. The present study proved that, morphological characteristics as well as molecular data of ISSR are useful in differentiating H. strobilaceum populations. Both quantitative and qualitative morphological features are important and appropriate for the population differentiation. The present study also showed a high level of inter-population genetic diversity. Ward Cluster Analysis, based on morphological features and molecular data, showed significant information on the relationships of the studied populations.