Analysis of Genetic Diversity Among Some Persian Walnut Populations of Hamedan Province Using SSR Markers

Iran is on of the rich genetic resources of Persian walnut. Using the genetic variation of this gene pool for identifying and introducing new promising genotypes and cultivars counts as a first step of breeding programs. Molecular methods has provides a new opportunity for genetic study of plant varieties. Considering many advantages including high polymorphism and co-dominant mode of inheritance make Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) as ideal markers in cultivar identification and study the genetic relationship of populations especially in allogam heterozygote plants like Persian walnut. In this study، the genetic diversity and structure of four Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) populations including 28 genotypes in hamedan province was studied using 11 SSR markers. In total، 47 polymorphic alleles were detected. The average of observed alleles was equal to 4. 3 in each locus. Hardy-Weinberg (HW) equilibrium was not detected in most of the loci that could be related to selection pressure and natural selection in different climatic conditions. The highest genetic distance was found between Tuyserkan and Malayer populations and lowest genetic distance was found between Tuyserkan and Serkan populations. Cluster analysis based on Nei similarity coefficient matrix using UPGMA method classified the populations into two main groups. Classification of populations based on molecular data did match with their geographical situations.