abstract

The genus Berberis comprises medicinally and ecologically important species widely distributed across diverse geographical regions. Understanding the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among Berberis species is crucial for conservation, breeding, and sustainable utilization efforts. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of selected Berberis species using ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) and RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers. A total of 12 species of Berberis were analyzed using 15 ISSR and 12 RAPD primers, generating highly polymorphic DNA profiles indicative of substantial genetic variability. The polymorphism percentage ranged from 72% to 89%, with Nei’s genetic diversity index values between 0.26 and 0.34, suggesting a high level of genetic variation among species. The UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) dendrogram and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) clustered the studied species into two major groups, reflecting their genetic similarities and possible evolutionary divergence. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed that 82% of genetic variation was within species, while 18% was among species, indicating significant intra-species diversity. The phylogenetic tree constructed using the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) method based on combined ISSR and RAPD data provided insights into the evolutionary relationships among Berberis species, supporting taxonomic classifications and revealing close genetic affinities between certain species. The findings of this study highlight the rich genetic diversity of Berberis species and emphasize the importance of molecular markers in phylogenetic research, conservation planning, and genetic improvement programs. The results can aid in the identification of genetically distinct populations for conservation prioritization, as well as in the selection of superior genotypes for medicinal and horticultural applications. Further studies incorporating next-generation sequencing (NGS) and chloroplast genome analysis are recommended to refine phylogenetic relationships and enhance the understanding of adaptive evolution in Berberis species.