Molecular Characterization of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Genotypes Collected from Different Parts of Turkey

Abstract

Molecular markers are commonly used in determination of genetic similarities and differences in many species and varieties. In this research Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to distinguish twenty-five elaeagnus (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) genotypes which were collected from various parts of Turkey in accordance with specific morphologic criteria. Eleven ISSR primers produced a total of 92 fragments and 23 of them were polymorphic. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.25. The unweighted pair group method arithmetic average (UPGMA) analysis demonstrated that the accessions had a similarity range from 0.63 to 1.00. Relatively genetic variation was detected among genotypes. Apart from the two genotypes, all other genotypes are separated. ‘Genotype 72’ is the most distant genotype. The remaining 24 genotypes were collected under three main groups. On the other hand, some of the genotypes are grouped according to their geographical distribution. The study showed that there is variation among genetic resources and that could be used in breeding programmes.