Abstract

Utilizing inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR ) markers, 240 genotypes of argan tree [ Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels, Sapotaceae ] were studied for genetic variability, phylogenetic relationship, and construction of core collectio n. ISSR markers chosen amplified a total of 147 bands, of which 141 (95.92%) were polymorphic. Nei's genetic diversity ranged from 0.15 to 0.29 with a mean of 0.20. Allelic richness was similar be tween all provenances with an average of 1.56. Our results showed a hi gh level of genetic differentiation among provenances (AMOVA = 46%, Gst = 0.42) and a limited gene flow (Nm = 0.70). Unweighted Pair Group Method by Arithmetic, Principal Coordinates Analysis and a Bayesian-based approach clearly showed a high genetic structuring of the pr ovenances while respecting the geographical proximity between the plains and high altitudes. There was a significant correlation between genetic di stance and geographic distance by Mantel test (r = 0.52, p = 0.01). Thus, we generated a core collection with 14 entries that repr esent 100% of genetic diversity of the original collection, which will be useful for the future conservation programs.