Eestimation of genetic diversity in walnut

Juglans regia L. belonging to the family Juglandaceae inhabits the northern parts of Pakistan. Biochemical analysis of the plant is not well documented in the country. Present research was the first documented attempt to study total seed storage proteins in 20 genotypes of Juglans regia collected from Swat, Dir and Chitral areas. A protocol was optimized for extraction and separation of seed storage protein from unprocessed seeds. Comparatively simple banding pattern (as compared to legumes and cereals) was observed in Juglans regia L. A total of 114 protein loci were detected in 20 genotypes giving an average of approximately 7 alleles per genotype. Genetic distances estimated during present study range from 0 to 60. Medium values of Genetic Distances (GDmax= 60%) was estimated among three comparisons. Twenty genotypes were grouped in three clusters based on dendrogram analysis. Genotypes collected from Chitral valley were predominantly grouped in one cluster. (author)