Evaluation of genetic diversity of some native population of Iranian coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) based on morphological and physiological

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual plant of the Apiaceae family. The used part of this plant is its seeds and leaves. In addition to oral consumption, coriander is a blood sugar lowering, blood lipid lowering, blood pressure lowering, hypnotic, sedative and anti-anxiety. This plant has shown antispasmodic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, sedative and antimicrobial activities. The basic requirement for plant breeding programs is a germplasm diversity that provides necessary facilities for breeding species with desirable features. Therefore, accurate identification of genotypes is considered as a prerequisite in this manner. The phenotypical characteristics are the first markers that have been used for diversity researches.

In order to evaluate the genetic diversity of some coriander Populations in Iran based on morphological and physiological traits, 26 ecotypes were collected from different regions of the country and the experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with 3 replications in field conditions Mohaghegh Ardabili University in 1398. Some morphological and phytochemical characteristics such as Stem diameter, Leaflet Number, Leaf Number, Stem, root and internode length, Total plant height, flower and Leaf fresh and dry weight,Total plant and Root dry weight, Anthocyanin, Total Phenol and essential oil components were studied. The measurements began after the 50% of flowering stage.

The analysis of variance of the data showed a significant difference between the studied traits, which indicates the existence of genetic diversity between coriander populations. there are significant differences between the populations in traits of plant height, stem and root length, nodes, internodes, leaves and leaflets numbers, stem diameter, plant dry weight, root dry weight, stem dry weight, leaf fresh weight, flower fresh weight and total phenol. Comparison of mean traits in total showed that Siahkal and Kashmar populations were superior to other populations in stem diameter (1.74, 1.63 mm), leaf fresh weight (0.57, 0.50 g), number of leaves (11.66, 15.70) and anthocyanin content (0.27, 0.37 mg/g FW). Based on Cluster analysis, divided the studied populations into three major groups. Main purpose of this study was determination of genetic diversity among Coriander accessions from Iran. Significant differences were found among the accessions in almost every parameter measured.

The range of vegetative and flower values obtained in this study was more than those of reported in previous researches about Coriander. With increasing leaf number and leaf fresh weight that is the main place to trap sunlight for photosynthesis and consequently provides the condition to produce secondary metabolites. Thus, Kashmar accessions with having high values of leaf can be considered for in view point of cultivation and breeding programs.