Genetic diversity and population structure of Iranian Ephedra major

As a highly valuable source of ephedrine, Ephedra major is well-adapted to various habitats in Iran. Over the last few decades, human’s activity, in particular, over exploitation of its populations to extract medicinally valuable constitutes, have endangered this species. In this investigation, the level of genetic diversity and genetic structure in 16 natural populations of E. major for the very first time have been assessed utilizing molecular markers, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR). A high level of genetic diversity was revealed among the population where Dehbar region (Khorasan Razavi province, Iran) exhibited the highest quantity of genetic parameters (P = 67.96%, H = 0.365 236, I = 0.365). Intra-population genetic diversity (71%) was significantly higher than inter-population genetic diversity (29%) and only 1% genetic diversity among-regions. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and Bayesian clustering methods indicated the presence of a relatively strong population structure and to some extent in accordance with the geographical origin of populations. However, the success of UPGMA in grouping populations in congruence with their geographical location was more tangible. From the outcomes of this study, it could be asserted that, ISSR markers are effective in detecting the pattern of genetic diversity in E. major populations. On the other hand, by having reliable knowledge of the status of genetic diversity and structure of populations of this species, the first steps can be taken to protect populations with low genetic diversity, and also pave the way for breeding programs to finding and selection of superior populations.