Genetic Diversity Assessment of German Chamomile Populations Based on Phenotypic Detection and SSR Molecular Markers in Bushehr Area

TL;DR

This study assessed genetic diversity in German chamomile populations using phenotypic traits and SSR molecular markers, identifying key populations for essential oil and chamazulene production with implications for breeding.

Contribution

It combines phenotypic and molecular analyses to evaluate genetic diversity and identify superior populations for medicinal compound production in German chamomile.

Findings

Jam 1 and Shahijan had the highest essential oil and chamazulene content.

Significant positive correlation between chamazulene percentage and essential oil.

Molecular analysis revealed Seho Sermak-Dashti as the most genetically diverse population.

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity in 42 German chamomile populations using morphological, biochemical, and ssr molecular markers, in both field and laboratory sections. Different populations of German chamomile collected from different regions were as statistical populations. Phenological, physiological and phytochemical traits, were measured. DNA extraction was done by CTAB method and DNA quantity and quality were checked by spectrophotometer and gel electrophoresis. 5 target populations were genetically evaluated with the help of 6 SSR markers. According to the obtained results, Jam 1 and Shahijan populations had the most effective substances (essential oil and chamazulene). The correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant correlation of 59% between the percentage of chamazulene and the percentage of essential oil. Chamazulene percentage and fresh weight as the most important traits were entered into the regression model step by step. These traits were found to explain 0.43% of the changes in the data. These findings have significant implications for future research aimed at identifying the most effective populations for essential oil and chamazulene production. The cluster analysis divided the genotypes into five groups. The second group was the most important, and Jam1 and Shahijan genotypes were in this group. The results of the molecular analysis showed that the Seho Sermak-Dashti population had the most effective allele, and this population was superior to other populations in terms of Shannon's index and nei diversity coefficient. According to the diagram, analysis into main coordinates showed that the genotypes are scattered on the surface of the diagram and this indicates the appropriate diversity of the studied genotypes. As a result, it can be stated that the grouping of phenotypic and molecular data was very consistent with each other.