Estimation of genetic diversity in some Iranian wild Prunus subgenus Cerasus accessions using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers

► Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers are useful for studying genetic diversity and relationships among Prunus subgenus Cerasus genotypes. ► Great genetic diversity was observed among Iranian Prunus subgenus Cerasus genotypes indicating a rich germplasm of these species in Iran. ► Lowest similarity was observed between Prunus avium L. (sweet cherry) and Prunus microcarpa, thus these species might be suitable for producing population with high diversity for cherry rootstock breeding program. ► An unknown Prunus genotype grouped within Prunus mahaleb accessions, defining its closer relationship with this species. ► Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) supported the results of cluster analysis and genotypes separated according to their species and geographical sites.