Assessment of Genetic Variation in Black Iris (Iris nigricans Dinsm.) Using RAPD Markers

This study was carried out to evaluate levels of genetic variation of the endangered black iris in Jordan using molecular markers. Three provinces including Jerash, Madaba, and es-Salt were surveyed to spot the existence of this plant. The provinces were further divided into locations for a total number of eight locations. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was chosen as a molecular marker. Of thirty arbitrary primers screened, eight were found to regenerate reproducible bands and were used to study variation among locations and seven were used to study variation within location. Similarity matrices were constructed based on Jaccard similarity coefficient. The results indicated that genetic diversity among and within the locations studied was extremely high (49% and 51%, respectively). Results obtained from this study will be of great significance for further work aiming at selecting the best conservation strategy concerning endangered black iris. Establishing in situ and ex situ field gene banks is strongly recommended in such a case, not only to protect the plant, but also to increase it