Molecular Characterization and Genetic Relationships in Different Mint (Mentha L.) Species with ISSR Marker Technique.

In the study, it was aimed to determine the molecular characterization and genetic relationships of Mentha species obtained from different countries and regions at the molecular level and to ensure the sustainability of these species. For this purpose, ISSR marker technique, which is effective in detecting polymorphism and genetic variation within and between Mentha species, was used. In the study a total of 460 allelic bands were detected, and all bands were found to be 100% polymorphic. The maximum number of bands was produced by the ISSR7 primer (25), but the minimum number of bands was produced by the ISSR12 primer (13). The highest PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) value was detected in the ISSR3 primer (0.521) but the lowest PIC value was determined in the 903 primer (0.203). Molecular datas were analyzed using the NTSYSpc 2.02 software and it was determined that the mint species were divided into two main groups. In the results obtained, it was determined that there was no relationship between the genetic diversity and geographical origins, and the populations from different geographical regions were in the same clusters. In the study, it was concluded that there was a significant molecular diversity among the species, and that some Mentha clones, which are defined by morphological features and still remain taxonomically uncertain, were belong to which species at the molecular level. Therefore, it is insufficient to classify species with morphochemical, morphological and phenotypic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]