Assessing genetic diversity of berberis genotypes selected from an F1 population using molecular markers

Abstract

Barberries are versatile shrubs with diverse applications, including ornamental, medicinal, and edible purposes. In this study, we employed molecular markers to assess the genetic diversity and genetic base of superior barberry genotypes selected from an F1 population obtained through Shahrood University Barberry Breeding Program (SUBBP), alongside their parents. We utilized nine ISSR markers and 10 RAPD markers to analyze the population’s genetic diversity. From these markers, we obtained 98 polymorphic bands using ISSR markers and 112 polymorphic bands using RAPD markers. The average PIC value was 0.16 for ISSR markers and RAPD markers, while the average genetic resolution power was 3.93 for ISSR markers and 2.11 for RAPD markers. Furthermore, we calculated the genetic dissimilarity coefficient (GDC) based on ISSR and RAPD markers, which ranged from 0.23 to 0.86 (average 0.62) and 0.21 to 0.85 (average 0.60), respectively. The ISSR data analysis classified the genotypes into three main clusters, with genotypes 0515, R5N1, ‘Bth’, ‘Seedless (BD)’, and R2N1 being genetically distant from the others. Similarly, the analysis of 10 RAPD primers resulted in the classification of genotypes into three main groups. Notably, genotype 0609 exhibited greater genetic distance from other genotypes in this subgroup. The Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) using both ISSR and RAPD marker data further supported the grouping of genotypes into three distinct clusters. These results provide valuable insights into the genetic composition of the F1 population and contribute to the advancement of barberry breeding strategies.