Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in some Almond Genotypes and Distance Determination between Almond Samples of 16 Regions by Use of RAPD Molecular Markers

Almond is one of the most valuable horticultural nut crops in the world with Iran being amongst the most important regions of its distribution. RAPD markers were employed to evaluate the diversity levels and relationship among some 56 collected genotypes of the crop. Through sixteen RAPD primers a number of, 171 DNA bands were produced, 168 of which were polymorphic. The samples which according to Cluster Analysis were of 44% of similarity, were divided into 2 main subgroups. Based upon their different genetic origins and by use of Jaccard Similarity Coefficient as well as through UPGMA method, the most similarity was observed between AV228 and AV164 samples (72%), both from Research Station of the Horticulture Department (RSHD). The lowest similarity was observed between AV123 genotypes from RSHD and DS genotype from Azarshahr (29%). The highest rate of total heterozigosity (Ht) was related to BA6, BA17 and BD10 primers with a value of 39%, in zone analysis, whilst the lowest (27%) related to BA14 primers. The most genetic similarity, through Similarity Matrix, was found between GS (Gazireh Eslami) and S (Serj) zones, both of them from Azerbayjan Province. These samples in Zones Cluster Analysis also showed the shortest distance (5%). The longest distance (60%) was observed between AV (from RSHD) and MAH (from Maharlu zone). The results finally showed that there are considerable differences among genotypes, a trait that when present in parents can be used in future breeding programs and RAPD markers were able to discriminate almond genotypes to a sufficient extent.