LAUSR

Assessing the genetic diversity is an essential step for breeding programs and the optimal use of genetic resources. In this study genetic and phenotypic diversity of 70 rye (Secale L.) populations collected from different regions of Iran were evaluated based on 14 qualitative morphological traits and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Among the evaluated traits spike shattering, leaf pubescence and stem and auricle color showed a high taxonomic value. Based on the morphological diversity assessed using descriptive statistics and discriminant function analysis, 38 S. cereale L. subsp. cereale, 28 S. cereale L. subsp. ancestrale Zhuk., eight S. strictum C. Presl, subsp. strictum, and three populations of S. strictum C. Presl, var. ciliatoglume (Boiss.) Fred. et Peters. were identified. Genetic diversity of 20 populations of identified species by RAPD markers confirmed the results of morphological evaluation. The rate of polymorphism was 45.26% of total amplified DNA fragments. Cluster analysis of RAPD data effectively separated the two species of rye (S. cereale L. and S. strictum C. Presl).