Characterization of Quercus Species Distributed in Jordan Using Molecular Markers

Genetic diversity among 25 natural populations of three different species of Quercus in Jordan at molecular levels using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers was assessed. Significant molecular variations among and within 25 Quercus populations were estimated. Twenty-seven polymorphic markers and 5917 scored bands were generated using six RAPD primers. Based on RAPD data, the populations were grouped together in the same cluster according to species regardless to local of collections. This study has emphasized the ability of the molecular markers in the determining the genetic diversity among and within the populations of Quercus and the resulted high genetic variability could be utilized in implications of improving conservation, restoration, and reforestation strategies of Quercus in Jordan.