Open Access

Efficiency of Using ISSR Markers in the Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Soybean

1 Sivas University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Department of Field Crops, Sivas
2 Sivas University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Department of Field Crops, Sivas

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of soybean genotypes using ISSR molecular markers within the scope of soybean breeding studies conducted at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Sivas University of Science and Technology. A total of 18 soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) genotypes, including 13 soybean lines obtained through hybridizations performed in accordance with breeding objectives and 5 commercial cultivars, were analyzed. Using seven ISSR primers, a total of 78 DNA bands were obtained, of which 32 were identified as polymorphic, corresponding to a polymorphism rate of 41.02%. These findings revealed moderate genetic variation among genotypes and confirmed the applicability of ISSR markers for the analysis of soybean genetic resources. According to the UPGMA clustering analysis, the genotypes were divided into two main groups; genotypes S-6 and S-7 exhibited the highest genetic similarity (98.4%), whereas genotypes S-3 and S-13 showed the lowest similarity (79.3%). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) supported the genetic structure obtained from UPGMA and enabled the multidimensional visualization of relationships among the genotypes. The distribution of commercial cultivars in different clusters indicated that these cultivars possess distinct genetic backgrounds. The results demonstrate that ISSR markers are effective, reproducible, and cost-efficient molecular tools for distinguishing genetic similarities and differences. This study provides important scientific data for parent selection in soybean breeding programs, identification of heterotic combinations, and sustainable management of genetic resources.

Keywords

How to Cite

ÇİLESİZ, Y., & KARAKÖY, T. (2026). Efficiency of Using ISSR Markers in the Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Soybean. MAS Journal of Applied Sciences, 11(1), 81–91. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18951377

References

📄 Aghaei, M.J., Mozafari, J., Taleei, A., Naghavi, M.R., Omidi, M., 2012. Genetic diversity of soybean genotypes using ISSR markers. African Journal of Biotechnology, 11: 15215–15220.
📄 Arslan, E., Mutlu, E.G., Dursun, Ö., Bağcı, S.A., 2020. Comparative analysis of agronomic traits and ISSR method among some soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) genotypes. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Journal of Agriculture and Nature, 23(3): 687–696.
📄 Basak, G.B., Imamoglu, E., 2023. Molecular marker technologies in food plant genetic diversity studies: An overview. Foods and Raw Materials, 11(2): 282–292.
📄 Bidyananda, N., Jamir, I., Nowakowska, K., Varte, V., Vendrame, W.A., Devi, R.S., Nongdam, P., 2024. Plant genetic diversity studies: insights from DNA marker analyses. International Journal of Plant Biology, 15(3): 607-640.
📄 Costa, R., Pereira, G., Garrido, I., Tavares de Sousa, M.M., Espinosa, F., 2016. Comparison of RAPD, ISSR, and AFLP molecular markers to reveal and classify orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) germplasm variations. PLoS One, 11(4): e0152972.