GENETIC DIVERSITY OF BUXUS HYRCANA (POJARK) POPULATIONS USING RAPD MOLECULAR MARKERS

Abstract

Categorized in the Buxaceae family and known as a broad-leaved and evergreen, Buxus hyrcana Pojark is one of the most valuable native shrubs in the Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran. However, fire blight disease which is a dangerous disease, threatens the biological survival of this native plant, exposing it to the perils of extinction. In this study, the genetic diversity of 72 plant species collected from 4 regions of Neka, Varki, Gileh and Rostamkola was examined respectively based on their RAPD molecular markers. As the results from molecular studies and software analysis suggested, a great deal of genetic affinity was noted between populations 1 and 4 (Neka and Rostamkola) and populations 2 and 3 (Varki and Gileh). Also, the variance analysis showed that 4% diversity was seen in the population species while 96% of this diversity was seen in the population species. In fact, genetic diversity in the populations was very low and the highest diversity in the species was noted in each population, which, considering the intrinsic or extrinsic resistance in some Buxus hyrcana Pojark species against the fire blight disease, contribute significantly to identifying resistant species of this plant against this disease.