Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes Diversity Study by Utilization of Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Markers

Analysis of the extent and distribution of genetic diversity in crop plants is essential for optimizing sampling and breeding strategies. Several methods were identified for the existence of diversity in maize for the aim of perfect selection based on great diversity among maize genotypes. In this study, Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to assess genetic diversity in a selected group of maize inbred ( Zea mays L.) genotypes. A high level of polymorphism of 69% was detected among these genotypes. The ISSR primers showed 10 fingerprints for six genotypes out of 9 studied which are Frantic, Huediba-1, Balady, Huediba-2, Giza 2 and Mogtamaa 45-2. The maximum genetic distance of 0.48% was detected between Huediba-2 and Mogtama45-2. While, the minimum genetic distance of 0.16 percent was observed between Giza-2 and Var.113. The results indicated that variation can be attributed to use of ISSR.