ISSR-based DNA profiling of the Skimmia laureola population in Pakistan

This study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of Skimmia laureola population in Pakistan and determine the population pattern of this endangered species. Skimmia laureola is a medicinal plant that has been utilized successfully for treatments. The essential oil present in their leaves is used in scenting soap. In Pakistan, it is widespread in Swat, Kashmir hills and Hazara region. Many plants are designated as endangered in IUCN red list. This plant is considered endangered because its population size has shrunk. Population size has shrunk up to 81 percent. The preservation and protection of biodiversity is a current study and conversation hot-button worldwide. Germplasm of Skimmia is taken from different regions of Pakistan. Different DNA markers have been used in agriculture, crop genetics and breeding. ISSR is a dominant marker used in genetic study and analysis. Ten ISSR primers were used and different bioinformatics tools were applied to check the diversity and analyze the phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that the total bands or alleles were identified as 1507 and that the number of bands per locus was 91.69. PIC ranges from 0.29435 (ISSR-8) to 0.34830 (ISSR-5). The PCoA showed the clustering of the genotypes with overlapping, indicating possible sisters. UPGMA-based dendrogram studied 15 genotypes into four clusters. The findings of this study contributed to the protection of this threatened plant and helped stop its future extinction.