Survey of Genetic Relationships in Thymus Accessions, Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Marker

Thymus sp.، commonly known as medical plant، is found in the different regions of Iran. Analysis of genetic diversity within species is vital for understanding evolutionary processes at the population and genomic level. Molecular marker technologies are the most advanced and، possibly، the most effective means for understanding the basis of genetic diversity. In the present study، 70 accessions collected from different districts of Iran were analyzed، using 30 RAPD primers. After DNA extracting، PCR performed using different primers. Totally، of amplified 407 bands، 320 bands were polymorphic corresponding to 78. 62% polymorphism across the accessions. The average of polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0. 34 and D13 and B04 primers had the highest and lowest PIC value، respectively. The UPGMA-based dendrogram constructed among the 70 accessions depends on the similarity matrix results. Results of Principal component analysis confirmed the results of cluster analysis. Assessment of genetically distances using RAPD marker could revealed important information for breeding and improvement of this plant.