Morphological, phytochemical and genetic diversity of Ziziphus spina - Christi (L) Des. in South and Southeastern of Iran

Morphological and genetic variations of the Iranian Christ's-thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf., Rhamnaceae) give us a knowing perspective to investigate and select elite germplasms for breeding and conservation purposes. In this study, Christ's-thorn organs and parts of 101 genotypes were sampled from 12 habitats in the South of Iran. In total, 32 qualitative and quantitative characteristics were measured. Analysis of variance was carried out based on completely randomized design and this revealed significant differences for most variables, indicating a large-scale diversity among the genotypes. For instance, fruit weight ranged 0.68-7.7 g, fruit length ranged 10.68-27.45 mm, seed length 7.22-17.8 mm, fruit pulp 2.2-11.4 mm and leaf length 16-65.6 mm. The genotypes were clustered into three main groups. 5′ Partial 18s rDNA from 9 regions were cloned by specific primers. The partial sequence of 18s rDNA gene in seedling of studied Iranian wild types Christ's-thorns were shown to be identical with the Ziziphus Spina-Christi 18sr¬DNA gene. Flavonoid quercetin and saponin content were measured for 9 dominant populations. Maximum saponin content was related to the Shahdad sample (large leaves and fruits with least thorn density) with 2.6 μg ml−1. Maximum flavonoid quercetin content (3.66 mg g−1) was related to the Jahrom sample (large leaves and fruits with least thorn density).