Investigation of genetic diversity among some native populations of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Golestan province by SSR Markers

Recognizing of genetic diversity and genetic potential of each plant species is necessary and essential before any works on breeding program. Genetic diversity among five populations of walnut (Juglans regia L.) was studied using 11 SSR markers. The marker system produced 77 alleles in a range size of 176-275 bps. The minimum (2) and maximum (11) numbers of alleles were related to genetic locus of WGA027 and WGA202, respectively. The mean number of alleles for 11 loci was 7 alleles. The number of effective alleles was between 1.57 and 5.32. The mean number of effective alleles for each locus was 3.77. In general, increasing trend of the allele’s number was in relation with Shannon information index. This was observed for Galikesh and Kalaleh populations. These populations had more diversity within each of them. Reversely, Kordkouy population had the lowest Shannon index and the lowest diversity among the selective populations. The highest genetic distance was between Kordkouy and Afratakhteh (0.30). The lowest distance was related to Galikesh and Cheshmah-jouzi (0.12). Classification of populations based on molecular data did not match with their geographical situations.