Determination ecotypes of Populus caspica Bornm. in plain communities of Caspian forests using morphological markers of leaf and peroxidase isoenzymes

Abstract

In order to determine ecotypes of Persian poplar (Populus caspica) in plain communities, 40 tree individuals were selected in provinces of Guilan (Roodbar, Astane Ashrafieh) and Mazandaran (Noor, Amol). Samples of two-year branches were taken in similar height and direction of tree crown to assess the quality of peroxidase activity using polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Also, in numerical taxonomy study of morphology, 13 leaf morphologal traits were measured. Peroxidase banding pattern showed 11 individual bands in two zones of polyacrilamide gel. First zone included 5 polymorphism bands and the second zone represented 6 bands. The results of isoenzyme bands classification and leaf morphological traits showed high isoenzymes and morphological differentiation among populations of these species showing three separated ecotypes including Roodbar, Astaneh Ashrafieh and Noor-Amol. Also, peroxidase band pattern and leaf morphology trait between male and female individuals showed no difference within the population. The results emphasize the used of effective methods of in situ and ex situ to maintain genetic diversity of this species as an endangered and valuable in Hyrcanian forests.

Keywords

• Cluster analysis
• Ecotype
• Peroxidase
• Populus caspica
• Morphological marker