Comparative study and genetic diversity in Malva using srap molecular markers

The Malva genus has 25-40 species and it can be considered as an annual and/or biannual herb. Malva species are indicated with potential therapeutic as cicatrizing and analgesic by the Ministry of Health. The aim of this study was to analyze SRAP (Sequence-related amplified polymorphism) markers in a total of 70 accessions of Malva species, which included five species Malva neglecta Wallr., Malva pusilla Sm., Malva sylvestris L., Malva verticillata L., Malva nicaeensis All.. A total of 89 (Number of total loci) (NTL) DNA bands were produced through polymerase chain reaction amplifications (PCR) amplification of five Malva species. These bands were produced with the combinations of 5 selective primers. The total number of amplified fragments ranged from 10 to 27. The predicted unbiased gene diversity (UHe) varied between 0.077 (Malva sylvestris) and 0.382 (Malva pusilla). The genetic similarities between three species are estimated from 0.70 to 0.91. Neighbor-Joining tree results showed two major clusters. According to the SRAP (Sequence-related amplified polymorphism) markers analysis, Malva pusilla and Malva aegyptia had the lowest similarity. Our results provided great molecular identification of all assayed genotypes, which have shown that there is large quantity of genetic diversity among the Malva accessions. Objectives of the study were; a) to estimate genetic diversity; b) to evaluate population relationships using NJ approaches. Current results have implications in breeding and conservation programs.