Gene flow and genetic structure between populations of Hesperis L. (Brassicaceae) species using molecular markers

Abstract

Genetic variability and populations, structure were studied in seven geographical populations of Hesperis L. Genetic diversity parameters were determined in these populations. 5 of 10 random amplified polymorphic DNA primers produced 62 reproducible bands with average of 7.1 bands per primer and 55% of polymorphism. Hesperis hyrcana showed the highest number of effective allele (Ne), Shannon index (I) and genetic diversity (H). The highest values of genetic diversity were obtained in Hesperis hyrcana. NJ trees grouped the populations in two different clusters/groups, indicating their genetic difference which is discussed in details. The results of this study showed that the level of genetic variation in Hesperis is relatively high. NJ-based dendrogram showed a close relationship between members of Hesperis straussii and Hesperis hyrcana while the Hesperis luristanica protected population differ the most from the other populations. Principal component analysis, however, showed some minor differences with NJ-based dendrograms.