A Study of Genetic and Chemical Diversities of some Chamomile Ecotypes Based on RAPD Markers and Essential oil Compositions

Chamomile is a medicinal plant with high economic value. In this research, 20 chamomile ecotypes collected from different regions of Iran were evaluated for genetic and chemical diversity. DNA was extracted by CTAB and polymerase chain reaction was performed using 13 RAPD markers. Essential oils extraction was performed by water distillation using Clevenger system. Components of the essential oils were detected by Gas Chromatography at 62 retention times. The results showed matching relation between chemical composition and geographical diversity. It is important to note that in this study, Pseudo chamomile ecotypes were placed next to German chamomile ecotypes in both molecular and chemical analyses. In order to identify essential oil compositions, the essential oils of 5 ecotypes were analysed using GC/MS method. The major components in the oil were, α-bisabolon oxide A, α-bisabolol oxide A , and (Z )- β-Farnesene. Regarding percentage of three important medicinal compositions of chamomile, Esphandegheh ecotype was chosen as the best one.