Affiliation:
1. Gonbad Kavous University
2. University of Qom
Abstract
Atriplex canescens is a polymorphic species that can be deciduous or
evergreen depending on the climate. Having an extensive root system, it
controls soil erosion very well and is resistant to drought. The present
study examined the morphological and genetic diversity of 13 Iranian
populations. Multivariate statistical analyses were performed on 25
morphological characteristics (quantitative and qualitative). To assess
genetic diversity, eight primers were applied, resulting in 42 bands. With
the ANOVA test, all quantitative morphological characteristics among the
studied populations were significantly different. Similarly, the AMOVA test
revealed that the genetic content of the studied populations was different.
Genetic distance and geographic distance were significantly correlated in
Mantel's test. Based on morphological studies and the effects of
environmental factors (latitude, longitude, and altitude) on genetic
structure, different genetic branches have been proposed for A. canescens.