Population genetic study of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.: Insight in to wild and cultivated plants genetic structure

Abstract

Ziziphus jujuba (jujube) of buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) is an important medicinal crop plant cultivated in different provinces of Iran. It has also wild populations in some geographical areas. We carried out population genetic study on 8 populations of cultivated versus wild jujuba by using ISSR molecular markers to produce data on population genetic structure, gene flow, and genetic variability in the studied populations. We also aimed to investigate genetic differentiation between wild and cultivated plants and identify the potential gene pools of this medicinal plant species. The studied populations had a moderate genetic variability and were grouped in two major groups by PCoA plot. AMOVA revealed significant genetic difference among these cultivars. Mantel test showed significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance in the studied populations. PCoA analysis showed genetic differentiation between wild and cultivated plants within each province. STRUCTURE analysis identified two potential gene pools for jujube cultivars. Data obtained may be used in genetic conservation and future breeding programs of this medicinal plant species in the country.