Genetic characterization of Iranian safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.) is valued as a source of high quality vegetable oil. 20 ISSR primers were used to assess the genetic diversity of 18 accessions of safflower collected from different geographical regions of Iran. The ISSR primers combinations revealed 57.6 % polymorphism, among 338 genetic loci amplified from the accessions. The sum of effective number of alleles and observed number of alleles were 29.76 and 36.77, respectively. To understand genetic relationships among these cultivars, Jacquards’ similarity coefficient and UPGMA clustering algorithm were applied to the ISSR marker data set. ISSR markers grouped accessions into two main clusters and four sub clusters. Also, the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) supported the cluster analysis results. The results showed these genotypes have high genetic diversity, and can be used for alternative safflower breeding program.     

Morphological and molecular genetic variations of oat genotypes grown in Kermanshah,Iran

Morphological traits and molecular markers are two common methods for genetic variation studies. Molecular markers, morphological traits methods and relationship between the two were used to study genetic variation among 43 oat genotypes and varieties. For this purpose, an augmented design was conducted in three replicates at 2008–2009 cropping season in the experimental field of Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. Four wild oat accessions (Avena sterilis) were added to evaluated genotypes in molecular experiment. Results showed a significant variation among genotypes for all morphological traits and they were classified based on this variation in four groups by WARD cluster analysis. In molecular experiment, 28 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers amplified 206 polymorph bands. Based on Jaccard similarity matrix, similarity among genotypes was varied from 0.23 to 0.66 and cluster analysis classified genotypes in seven groups by complete linkage method. The correlation between ISSR marker and morphological traits classifications was not significant. ISSR showed to be a helpful marker for genotype identity and separation as it put wild accessions in a group.     

Identification,characterization, validation and cross-species amplification of genic-SSRs in Indian Mustard (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica juncea</Emphasis>)

Brassica juncea is an economically important oilseed crop worldwide. It has limited genomic resources at present. We generated 47,962,057 expressed sequence reads which were assembled into 45,280 unigenes. A total of 4108 SSR loci (≥10 bp) were identified in these unigenes. Trinucleotide was the most frequent repeat unit (59.91 %) followed by di- (38.66 %), tetra - (0.71 %), hexa - (0.49 %) and pentanucleotide repeats (0.24 %). Primers were designed for 2863 SSR loci among which 460 were selected for primer synthesis. A total of 339 loci amplified successfully of which 134 (39.5 %) exhibited polymorphism among six B. juncea genotypes with PIC values ranging from 0.18 to 0.81. Further, 25 polymorphic SSRs were used for analysis of genetic variability in 25 genotypes of Brassicas and their wild relatives. Two to five alleles with PIC values 0.22–0.66 were detected at these loci. The dendrogram grouped the genotypes according to their known pedigree/systematic position.     

Assessment of genetic diversity and differentiation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Liposcelis bostrychophila</Emphasis> (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae) in China using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) fingerprinting

Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae) is a widely distributed pest that can cause considerable economic losses and pose human health risks. Rapid development of insecticide resistance has made L. bostrychophila increasingly difficult to control. To obtain information potentially useful for pest management, genetic diversity and differentiation of L. bostrychophila from five geographic locations in China was studied using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR). A total of 104 loci were found by ISSR markers and amplified using 9 selected primers. The percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) was 91.4%. Shannon’s information index (I) and Nei’s gene diversity (He) indicated high genetic diversity at the species level. Population differentiation (Gst = 0.484) was average in these populations. Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variation was mainly distributed within populations. Gene flow (Nm = 0.534) was moderate. Cluster analysis showed that genotypes isolated from the same locations displayed higher genetic similarity and permitted the grouping of isolates of L. bostrychophila into three distinct clusters. The correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance was not significant.     

Relatedness of Indian Flax Genotypes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Linum usitatissimum</Emphasis> L.): An Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Primer Assay

The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic relationships, using PCR-based ISSR markers, among 70 Indian flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes actively utilized in flax breeding programs. Twelve ISSR primers were used for the analysis yielding 136 loci, of which 87 were polymorphic. The average number of amplified loci and the average number of polymorphic loci per primer were 11.3 and 7.25, respectively, while the percent loci polymorphism ranged from 11.1 to 81.8 with an average of 63.9 across all the genotypes. The range of polymorphism information content scores was 0.03–0.49, with an average of 0.18. A dendrogram was generated based on the similarity matrix by the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), wherein the flax genotypes were grouped in five clusters. The Jaccard’s similarity coefficient among the genotypes ranged from 0.60 to 0.97. When the omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA) contents of the individual genotypes were correlated with the clusters in the dendrogram, the high ALA containing genotypes were grouped in two clusters. This study identified SLS 50, Ayogi, and Sheetal to be the most diverse genotypes and suggested their use in breeding programs and for developing mapping populations.     

Comparison of RAPD and ISSR markers for genetic diversity analysis among different endangered Mangifera indica genotypes of Indian Gir forest region

The genetic variability and relationships among 20 Mangifera indica genotypes representing 15 endangered and 5 cultivars, obtained from Indian Gir forest region, were analyzed using 10 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 21 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. RAPD markers were more efficient than the ISSR assay with regards to polymorphism detection. Also, the average numbers of polymorphic loci per primer, average polymorphic information content (PIC) and primer index (PI) values were more for RAPD than for ISSR. But, total number of genotype specific marker loci, Nei’s genetic diversity (h), Shannon’s information index (I), total heterozygosity (Ht), average heterozygosity (Hs) and mean coefficient of gene differentiation (Gst) were more for ISSR as compared to RAPD markers. The regression test between the two Nei’s genetic diversity indexes showed low regression between RAPD and ISSR based similarities but maximum for RAPD and RAPD + ISSR based similarities. The pattern of clustering of genotypes within groups was not similar when RAPD and ISSR derived dendrogram were compared. Thus, both the markers were equally important for genetic diversity analysis in M. indica.     

Population genetic diversity and divergence of the halobiotic herb Limonium sinense estimated by AFLP and ISSR, and implications for conservation

Limonium sinense is a halobiotic herb endemic to China that has been traditionally used for hundreds of years for its good restorative function. Genetic variation and population structure of this species were investigated by using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSRs). A high level of genetic diversity was detected [AFLP: H _E = 0.284, percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) = 92.68 %; ISSR: H _E = 0.257, PPL = 85.71 %] at the species level with POPGENE. Based on analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA), the among-population component accounted for 29.03 % (AFLP) and 28.81 % (ISSR) of the genetic variation, indicating that most of the genetic variation was between individuals within populations. The Shannon diversity index (I) was higher for AFLP (0.432) than for ISSR (0.395). Five main clusters were shown in the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram created using TFPGA, consistent with the result of principal coordinate analysis using NTSYS. In situ conservation is advocated first. Keeping a stable environment for this halobiotic herb is necessary. For ex situ conservation, it is important to establish a germplasm bank. AFLP and ISSR markers were proved to be efficient tools in assessing the genetic variation among populations of L. sinense. The patterns of variation appeared to be consistent for these two marker systems, and they can be used for management of genetic structure, protection of the halobiotic plant, and conservation of germplasm.     

Evaluation of genetic diversity amongst <Emphasis Type="Italic">Descurainia sophia</Emphasis> L. genotypes by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker

Descurainia sophia is a valuable medicinal plant in family of Brassicaceae. To determine the range of diversity amongst D. sophia in Iran, 32 naturally distributed plants belonging to six natural populations of the Iranian plateau were investigated by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The average percentage of polymorphism produced by 12 ISSR primers was 86 %. The PIC values for primers ranged from 0.22 to 0.40 and Rp values ranged between 6.5 and 19.9. The relative genetic diversity of the populations was not high (Gst =0.32). However, the value of gene flow revealed by the ISSR marker was high (Nm = 1.03). UPGMA clustering method based on Jaccard similarity coefficient grouped the genotypes into two major clusters. Graph results from Neighbor-Net Network generated after a 1000 bootstrap test using Jaccard coefficient, and STRUCTURE analysis confirmed the UPGMA clustering. The first three PCAs represented 57.31 % of the total variation. The high levels of genetic diversity were observed within populations, which is useful in breeding and conservation programs. ISSR is found to be an eligible marker to study genetic diversity of D. sophia.     

Analysis of genetic stability of in vitro propagated potato microtubers using DNA markers

The genetic stability of in vitro propagated potato microtubers was assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR), simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Microtubers were developed through in vitro from potato microplants using standardized protocols. The microtubers were conserved for 1 year under three different culture media and consequently microplants were regenerated for the DNA analyses. During the study, a total of 38 (10 RAPD, 11 ISSR, 12 SSR and 5 AFLP) primers produced a total of 407 (58 RAPD, 56 ISSR, 96 SSR and 197 AFLP) clear, distinct and reproducible amplicons. Cluster analysis revealed 100 % genetic similarity among the mother plant and its derivatives within the clusters by SSR, ISSR and RAPD analyses, whereas AFLP analysis revealed from 85 to 100 % genetic similarity. Dendrogram analysis based on the Jaccard’s coefficient classified the genotypes into five clusters (I–V), each cluster consisting of mother plant and its derivatives. Principal component analysis (PCA) also plotted mother plant and its genotypes of each cluster together. Based on our results, it is concluded that AFLP is the best method followed by SSR, ISSR and RAPD to detect genetic stability of in vitro conserved potato microtubers. The in vitro conservation medium (T2) is a safe method for conservation of potato microtubers to produce true-to-type plans.     

Genetic Diversity in Various Accessions of Pineapple [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ananas comosus</Emphasis> (L.) Merr.] Using ISSR and SSR Markers

Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of 36 pineapple accessions that were introduced from 10 countries/regions. Thirteen ISSR primers amplified 96 bands, of which 91 (93.65%) were polymorphic, whereas 20 SSR primers amplified 73 bands, of which 70 (96.50%) were polymorphic. Nei’s gene diversity (h = 0.28), Shannon’s information index (I = 0.43), and polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.29) generated using the SSR primers were higher than that with ISSR primers (h =  0.23, I = 0.37, PIC = 0.24), thereby suggesting that the SSR system is more efficient than the ISSR system in assessing genetic diversity in various pineapple accessions. Mean genetic similarities were 0.74, 0.61, and 0.69, as determined using ISSR, SSR, and combined ISSR/SSR, respectively. These results suggest that the genetic diversity among pineapple accessions is very high. We clustered the 36 pineapple accessions into three or five groups on the basis of the phylogenetic trees constructed based on the results of ISSR, SSR, and combined ISSR/SSR analyses using the unweighted pair-group with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA) method. The results of principal components analysis (PCA) also supported the UPGMA clustering. These results will be useful not only for the scientific conservation and management of pineapple germplasm but also for the improvement of the current pineapple breeding strategies.     

Genetic relationship among wild,landraces and cultivars of hazelnut (Corylus avellana) from Portugal revealed through ISSR and AFLP markers

The genus Corylus, a member of the birch family Betulaceae, includes several species that are widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This study assesses the genetic diversity in 26 international cultivars and 32 accessions of Corylus avellana L. from Portugal: 13 wild genotypes and 19 landraces. The genetic relationships among the 58 hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) were analyzed using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Eighteen ISSR primers and seven AFLP primer pairs generated a total of 570 unambiguous and repeatable bands, respectively, from which 541 (95.03 %) were polymorphic for both markers. Genetic similarity index values ranged from 0.239 for wild types and cultivars to 0.143 for landraces and wild types. The genetic relationships were presented as a Neighbor-Joining method dendrogram and a two-dimensional principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) plot. The Neighbor-Joining dendrogram showed three main clusters, and the PCoA analysis has shown to be congruent with the hierarchical analysis. Bayesian analysis clustered all individuals into three groups showing a good separation among wild genotypes, landraces and cultivars. The genetic diversity found on wild genotypes and Portuguese landraces may provide relevant information for the diversity conservation and it will be useful in breeding programs and to identify local selections for preservation.     

Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of an endemic Moroccan tree (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Argania spinosa</Emphasis> L.) based in IRAP and ISSR markers and implications for conservation

Argan Tree is well known for its precious oil extracted from its seeds particularly used for the nutritional and cosmetic benefits. Because of the high international demand, the argan tree suffers from overexploitation and its cultivation is rare. Thus, the assessment of the genetic variation of this endemic tree is critically important for designing conservation strategies. In the present study and for the first time, genetic diversity of the global natural distribution of argan tree (Argania spinosa L.) in Morocco was assessed. Four IRAP (inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism) primer combinations and seven ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeat) primers amplified 164 and 248 scorable polymorphic bands respectively. Polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.27), resolving power (Rp = 15) and marker index (MI = 10.81) generated by IRAP primer combinations were almost identical to those generated by ISSR primers (PIC = 0.27, Rp = 9.16 and MI = 12). AMOVA analysis showed that 49% of the genetic variation was partitioned within populations which is supported by Nei’s genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.5391) and the overall estimate of gene flow (Nm) being 0.4274. The STRUCTURE analysis, PCoA (principal coordinate analysis) and UPGMA (unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean) based on the combined data matrices of IRAP and ISSR divided the 240 argan genotypes into two groups. The strong differentiation observed might be due to the geographical distribution of argan tree. Our results provide crucial insight for genetic conservation programs of this genetic resource.     

Estimation of genetic variability and population structure in Sapindus trifoliatus L., using DNA fingerprinting methods

Genetic variability and population structure of Sapindus trifoliatus L. (Sapindaceae), collected from Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh states were estimated using three DNA fingerprinting methods viz., random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). The cumulative data analysis carried out for all three markers showed 69.42 % polymorphism. The intra-population genetic diversity analysis revealed the highest values of Nei’s genetic diversity (0.16), Shannon information index (0.24) and polymorphic loci (43.99 %) among Bhavnagar (BH) population, whereas lowest values were found in Junagarh (JU) population. The maximum inter-population average genetic distance (0.20) was between Allahabad (AL) and JU populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed highest percentage of variation among individuals of populations (56 %) followed by 25 % among populations and 19 % among regions. Principal coordinate analysis and UPGMA dendrogram revealed that genetic diversity was in congruence with the geographical diversity. The data strongly suggest that low genetic flow, geographic isolation and to some extent genetic drift are the major factors responsible for high genetic differentiation. Preservation of genetic diversity of S. trifoliatus is important, both to promote adaptability of the populations to changing environment as well as to preserve a large gene pool for future genetic improvement. The present study using RAPD, DAMD and ISSR profiles of S. trifoliatus provide the means of rapid characterization of accessions within the populations, and thus enable the selection of appropriate accessions for further utilization in conservation and prospection programs of this important plant genetic resource.     

Natural population structure and genetic differentiation for heterodicogamous plant: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyclocarya paliurus</Emphasis> (Batal.) Iljinskaja (Juglandaceae)

Cyclocarya paliurus, a Chinese monotypic genus belonging to the Juglandaceae, exhibits a widespread distribution in southern China. To provide resource support for its future breeding and medicinal utilization, much information involving natural population succession and genetic diversity of C. paliurus should be obtained. In this study, the structures of 30 natural populations throughout its distribution were analyzed based on the investigation, showing the ratio of individuals with DBH < 40 cm accounting for 71.7%. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) were used for evaluation of 244 individuals from 29 natural populations. High-level polymorphism (100%) indicates high efficiency of two markers. Analysis demonstrated that genetic diversity (value of 0.18 for ISSR and 0.09 for SSR) was low among populations. While gene flow among populations reached 1.182 and 1.335 for ISSR and SSR, respectively, indicating genetic variations mainly existing within population. Twenty-six populations (size ≥5 individuals) were grouped into five clusters based on the combined ISSR and SSR loci. The value of Nei’s coefficient varying from 0.87 to 0.96 indicates small differentiation among groups. Furthermore, we speculate that C. paliurus is an expanding species in subtropical China (most of populations are increasing type (IP)) and discuss the strategy of germplasm conservation.     

High ISSR Variation in 14 Surviving Individuals of Euryodendron excelsum (Ternstroemiaceae) Endemic to China

Euryodendron excelsum is a critically endangered Ternstroemiaceae species endemic to southern China, with only 14 individuals surviving in Ba Jia Zhen of Yangchun, Guangdong Province. Intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to assess genetic variation and relationships among these individuals. Population genetic parameters were estimated by a Bayesian approach as well as conventional methods. Of the 225 loci generated by 21 primers, 147 (65.33%) were polymorphic. Compared with other species of Theaceae and related families, a high level of genetic variation was identified in E. excelsum (Nei’s gene diversity, 0.2458; Shannon’s index, 0.3626). An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram showed that the 14 individuals were mainly clustered into three groups, a conclusion further supported by principal coordinate analysis. Based on these results, a management and conservation strategy for E. excelsum was proposed.     

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite markers for Avena sativa (Poaceae) (oat)

? Premise of the study: A new set of microsatellite primers was developed for Avena sativa and characterized to assess the level of genetic diversity among cultivars and wild genotypes. ? Methods and Results: Using an enrichment genomic library, 14 simple sequence repeat markers were identified. The loci of these markers were characterized and found to be polymorphic in size among 48 genotypes of oat from diverse geographical locations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight, while the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.031 to 0.75. ? Conclusions: These newly identified microsatellite markers will facilitate genetic diversity studies, fingerprinting, and genetic mapping of oat. Moreover, these new primers for A. sativa will aid future studies of polyploidy and hybridization in other species in this genus.     

Phytochemical and genetic characterization of five quinoa (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chenopodium quinoa</Emphasis> Willd.) genotypes introduced to Egypt

Due to its substantial nutritional value, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is currently attracting worldwide attention. Quinoa is characterized by a high adaptability to various environmental conditions. This is the first report on the phytochemical and genetic evaluation of quinoa germplasms introduced to Egypt, and the results could be used to implement propagation techniques in the future. For phytochemical characterization, 41 traits, including primary and secondary metabolites, antioxidant molecules, sugars, organic acids and fatty acids, were evaluated. At the same time, 4 RAPD and 7 ISSR markers were used for genetic analysis. UPGMA analysis of RAPD and ISSR polymorphic markers, their combined dataset and phytochemical traits were used to evaluate genetic relationships among genotypes. The quinoa genotypes displayed reasonable variation in the studied phytochemical traits. The results of the genetic analysis confirmed that RAPD and ISSR markers could be used to distinguish effectively quinoa genotypes. The phytochemical and genetic characterization reported herein will be a promising guide for breeding seed quality in quinoa.     

Planchonella, first record of gynomonoecy for the family Sapotaceae

Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate the levels and pattern of genetic variation within and among populations of Pteroceltis tatarinowii Maxim., an endangered plant endemic to China. Of the 76 primers screened, 11 produced highly reproducible ISSR bands. A total of 118 bands were presented from the 11 selected primers across all individuals of five natural populations, corresponding to an average of 10.73 bands per primer. The size of the ISSR bands ranged from 200 to 2,000 bp. The percentage of polymorphic loci at the population level ranged from 77.97 to 86.44%, with an average value of 82.54%. Genetic differentiation among populations was revealed based on Nei’s genetic diversity analysis (19.41%) and the nonparametric analysis of molecular variance (20.62%). The Mantel test showed a significant positive correlation between geographic distance and genetic distance (r = 0.7758, P < 0.05), indicating a role of geographic isolation in shaping the present population genetic structure of P. tatarinowii. The size of the natural populations of P. tatarinowii was noted in field observations to be very small, chiefly owing to habitat destruction and overexploitation in the past decades. Therefore, effective measures for preserving genetic diversity of this species at the population level are needed and should include protecting its natural habitats and increasing the numbers of individuals. To meet the commercial demand for this species, P. tatarinowii plantations and cultivation facilities should be established as an alternative source of raw materials.     

Molecular and chemical profiling of ‘sweet flag’ (Acorus calamus L.) germplasm from India

In the present study, molecular (DAMD and ISSR) and chemical (α and β-asarone contents) markers were used to characterize the A. calamus genotypes procured from different parts of India. The cumulative analysis carried out for both DAMD and ISSR markers revealed 24.71 % polymorphism across all genotypes of A. calamus. The clustering patterns of the genotypes in the UPGMA tree showed that the genotypes are diverse, and did not show any specific correlation with their geographical provenances, reflecting the low level of genetic diversity and a high genetic differentiation among the genotypes from the same localities. All the 27 genotypes of A. calamus were also analyzed for α and β-asarone contents, and percentage of essential oil. The genotype (Ac13) from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) showed maximum (9.5 %) percentage of oil, whereas corresponding minimum (2.8 %) was obtained from the genotypes from Pangthang (Sikkim). Similarly, the highest α and β-asarone contents (16.82 % and 92.12 %) were obtained from genotypes from Renuka (Himachal Pradesh) and Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir), while lowest α and β-asarone contents (0.83 % and 65.96 %) resulted from Auranwa (Uttar Pradesh) and Pangthang (Sikkim) genotypes, respectively. A. calamus harbours tremendous economic value, and it is therefore, important to identify the genotypes with low α and β-asarone contents for its commercial utilization. Further, this study will help in evaluation and documentation of a large number of diverse genotypes for their value traits.     

Study of genetic variation in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using agro-morphological traits and ISSR markers

This research was conducted to study the genetic variation among eighteen genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) collected from various agro-climatic regions of Iran along with six exotic genotypes from the Asian countries using both agro-morphological and ISSR marker traits. The results showed significant differences among genotypes for all agro-morphological traits and a relatively high genetic coefficient of variation observed for number of fruiting branches per plant, capsules per plant, plant height and seed yield per plant. Cluster analysis based on these traits grouped the genotypes into five separate clusters. Larger inter- than intra cluster distances implies the presence of higher genetic variability between the genotypes of different groups. Genotypes of two clusters with a good amount of genetic divergence and desirable agronomic traits were detected as promising genotypes for hybridization programs. The 13 ISSR primers chosen for molecular analysis revealed 170 bands, of which 130 (76.47%) were polymorphic. The generated dendrogram based on ISSR profiles divided the genotypes into seven groups. A principal coordinate analysis confirmed the results of clustering. The agro-morphological traits and ISSR markers reflected different aspects of genetic variation among the genotypes as revealed by a non significant cophenetic correlation in the Mantel test. Therefore the complementary application of both types of information is recommended to maximize the efficiency of sesame breeding programs. The discordance among diversity patterns and geographical distribution of genotypes found in this investigation implies that the parental lines for hybridization should be selected based on genetic diversity rather than the geographical distribution.