Molecular Polymorphism of Newly Reported Endemic Iris bismarckiana (Iris sect. Oncocyclus) in Jordan

This research was conducted to assess the molecular polymorphism among threatened endemic genotypes of Iris bismarckiana (Iris sect. Oncocyclus = the royal irises) surprisingly found in the west Ajloun in two areas in Jordan (Rajib and Dibbin). The later is reported here for the first time and represents the most eastern recorded site (35°47 E) fori, bismarckiana occurrence. Samples were collected from six different sites; four from Rajib and two from Dibbin, The genotypes were assessed using the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA technique (RAPD). Seventeen of 38 screened primers showed reproducible polymeric profiles. Jaccard similarity index was determined between each pair of genotypes and a dendrogram was constructed, The analyzed data showed grouping of various genotypes. Both Dibbin sites cluster together, while, only two of the four Rajib sites cluster together but with weaker relatedness. The third and forth Rajib sites did not clustered at all