Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in 18 Genotypes of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) Using of Molecular ISSR Markers

ABSTRACT: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a forage crop that is called the queen of crops among the others because of its high protein amount, palatability, high digestibility and adaptation in the different environment conditions. Genetic diversity based on different markers, plays a key role in breeding programs and one of the most important criteria for selection of parents. This study in order to survey genetic diversity of 18 genotypes of perennial alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was conducted using 8 primer ISSR molecular markers. Total 63 bands were using these primers observed in studied population which the were scored, That of which 51 bands polymorphic. Lowest number of bands related to primer IS1 and highest number belong to primer IS16. The lowest percentage of polymorphic belong to primer IS6 and highest of the belong to primers IS11 and IS12 were, respectively 57.14 and 100 %. Means PIC in primers used equal 0.33 had that hieghest rate of PIC belong to primers IS10, IS16, IS12 and lowest amount belong to primers IS1, IS3, IS14. Average MI in primers used equal 2.16 that highest amount related to primer IS16 with 4.29 and lowest amount belong to primer IS1 with 0.47. Also, cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis using Dice similarity coefficients were calculated and dendrogram was drawn using the Ward for 18 genotypes. The coordinates analysis was performed using of the similarity matrix and confirmed the results of cluster analysis.