Genetic relationship and phytochemical assessment among populations of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch. in the natural habitats of Yazd and Kerman

Black caraway, Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch., belonging to the Apiaceae family, is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran. In this study, genetic and phytochemical relationships were investigated among some populations of this plant using ISSR markers and GC-MS method in Yazd and Kerman habitats. In order to study genetics using 10 ISSR primers, sampling of the fresh plant leaves was done. DNA was extracted using CTAB method. To investigate phytochemicals, the essential oil was extracted from black caraway seeds using hydrodistillation method and Clevenger apparatus. According to the results, ISSR-13 primer had better performance with 40 bands, the highest amounts of PIC (0.39), and Marker Index (15.6). Cluster analysis using Jacquard's coefficient and UPGMA algorithm divided the four black caraway populations of the two provinces into six groups. Principal coordinates analysis showed that three components explained 60.56% of total variance and completely separated the populations. The results of this analysis were consistent with cluster analysis and geographical distribution of samples. Based on the GC-MS results, 13 and 16 compounds were identified in Yazd and Kerman habitats, respectively. The compounds α-pinene, β-pinene, ρ-cymene, limonene, γ-terpinene, and cuminaldehyde were identified as the same and main compounds between Yazd and Kerman habitats. Based on the results of cluster analysis of phytochemical parameters and location of the habitats Sirjan (Kerman province), Mehriz and Ardekan (Yazd province) in one cluster and Sirch in a separate cluster, it can be concluded that grouping based on essential oil compounds does not correspond with genetic grouping and geographical distance in the natural habitats.