Genetic diversity analysis of 82 pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars by ISSR markers

Abstract: 【Objective】The aims of this study are to provide the scientific basis for the classification,identification and effective utilization of the pomegranate germplasm.【Methods】The genetic diversity and genetic relationships of 82 pomegranate cultivars with different characters were evaluated by ISSR markers.【Results】10 ISSR primers with clear bands and good polymorphism were screened out. A total of 186 bands were amplified from 10 ISSR primers,of which 176 were polymorphic loci. The main indexes were:Percentage of polymorphic band(PPB)=95.69%,the number of alleles(Na)=1.957 0,Effective number of alleles(Ne)=1.302 4,Nei's gene diversity(He)=0.214 0 and Shannon's information index(I)=0.356 7.The genetic similarities coefficient between cultivars ranged from 0.478 4 to 0.994 6. 82 pomegranate cultivars were divided into 4 groups at Gs 0.735 based on UPGMA method. Cophenetic correlation coefficient between similarity matrix and cophenetic matrix of dendrogram was relatively high(r=0.985) showing the goodfit of the dendrogram.【Conclusion】82 pomegranate cultivars with different characters had abundant genetic diversity. The result of ISSR cluster accorded with the classification results based on petal,fruit character and seed hareness and also partial relevant to geographical origin. The genetic diversity and relationships of pomegranate germplasm could be evaluated well and truly by ISSR markers. These results provide valuable references for protection,utilization and variety selection of the pomegranate resources.