Evaluation of the Genetic Variability among a Wild Peganum Harmala L. Populations with RAPD-PCR

Abstract

Forty wild individuals of wild Peganum harmala (P. harmala) were collected from four sites in Ma'an Governorate and were assessed for genetic variability by the method of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR. Four primers produced 43 amplified bands and 23 of them were polymorphic. Miniature degree of genetic diversity was detected among studied population of wild P. harmala. Cluster analysis by the un weighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) divided the wild populations into three main clusters, and one individual was identified in a separated group. It is apparent from this study that individuals of P. harmala species were more closely related. The RAPD markers detected sufficient degree of polymorphism to differentiate among the studied populations, making this technique valuable for wild types management and selectivity for breeding program.