Evaluation of Genetic Variability of Caprifigs (Ficus carica L.) in the Fars Province by Morphological Traits and RAPD Markers

This research was conducted to assess polymorphism among genotypes of caprifigs available in Fars province. Leaf samples were collected in spring for DNA isolation from 11 different genotypes. The genotypes were assessed using the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Sixteen of the 24 screened primers showed reproducible polymorphic profiles. Out of 232 amplified bands, 167 were polymorphic (72%). After determining Jaccard similarity index, some genotypes showed high genetic similarity (84% between N1 and E2), while others were less similar (62% between N4 and all other genotypes). Furthermore, bootstraps were incorporated to construct trees using UPGMA technique. The genotypes were clustered into three major groups: (E1), (E2, E3, N1, N2, N3, K1, K2, J1, J2), and (N4). The analyzed data illustrates a good variability in the genetic pool of the caprifig in Fars province making it a valuable source for incorporation into potential breeding programs for the region.