Population and multilocus isozyme structures in a barley landrace

Isozyme data were used to assess genetic diversity within and among a subdivided population of the salt-tolerant Batini barley landrace. Population diversity and its components were estimated on the basis of 12 isozymes scored on 450 single plants representing seven subpopulations. Two principal components, based on mean gene diversity, Shannon’s diversity index, percentage polymorphic loci, genetic identity and genetic distance among subpopulations accounted for 91.7% of total variation and separated the subpopulations into four distinct groups. Contributions to total diversity by individual subpopulations were partitioned into intraand inter-population components. The level of population differentiation indicates that a large percentage of total genetic diversity was apportioned within subpopulations. The presence of valuable genetic diversity in this landrace was confirmed.