Evaluation of genetic variability, rust resistance and marker-detection in cultivated Artemisia dracunculus from Iran

Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon), a small shrubby perennial herb, is cultivated for the use of its aromatic leaves in seasoning, salads, etc., and in the preparation of tarragon vinegar. In the present work, genetic analysis of 29 cultivated individuals of this species was carried out employing 12 ISSR and 11 SRAP markers. A total of 59 (71.64%) and 79 (83.14%) polymorphic bands were detected by 12 ISSR primers and 11 SRAP primer pairs, respectively. High similarity for patterns of genetic diversity and clustering of individuals was observed using two ISSR and SRAP marker systems and combined data. Range of genetic similarity by ISSR markers was 0.14 to 0.95, by SRAP markers was 0.14 to 0.90, while this range varied from 0.18 to 0.91 by ISSR+SRAP. In the UPGMA cluster analysis (ISSR, SRAP and ISSR+SRAP), we always found two clusters, the first cluster included 22 individuals and the second contained seven individuals. The results demonstrated that both ISSR and SRAP methods were suitable for discriminating among the studied individuals and the SRAP markers were more efficient and preferable. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed statistically significant association between rust resistance and some molecular markers that they can provide clues for identification of the individuals with higher rust resistance. The molecular marker-based study of genetic diversity suggests that the germplasm studied representing the kind of variability would be a valuable genetic resource for future breeding. In addition, in situ conservation measures are recommended to preserve the valuable A. dracunculus genetic resources as the most effective and economical approach.