University of Isfahan Taxonomy and Biosystematics 3115-9001 14 53 2023 01 21 53 شناسنامه علمی شماره 53 27984 10.22108/tbj.2023.27984 EN Journal Article 2023 11 06 https://tbj.ui.ac.ir/article_27984_99ad490dc222c5f81576f25a9e4608c4.pdf

University of Isfahan Taxonomy and Biosystematics 3115-9001 14 53 2023 01 21 Phenotype Diversity of Iranian Cichlids Iranocichla spp. in Hormuzgan Basin using the Geometric Morphometrics Technique بررسی تنوع ریختی جمعیت‌های طبیعی سیچلایدماهیان ایرانی Iranocichla spp. در حوضۀ هرمزگان با استفاده از تکنیک ریخت‌سنجی هندسی 1 16 26921 10.22108/tbj.2022.133867.1201 EN Manoochehr Nasri Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental and Fisheries Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran Soheil Eagderi Associate Professor, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran Elham Jamshidi M.Sc. Graduated, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran Journal Article 2022 05 29 In the present study, interspecific morphological diversity and sexual dimorphism of Iranocichla spp. were investigated using the geometric morphometrics method in the water bodies of Hormozgan Province, Iran. In this context, 286 specimens of Iranian cichlids were collected from the Mehran, Rasoul, Shoor, and Khoor-e-Goor hot streams and transported to the laboratory. The geometric shapes of the fish were digitized using 17 landmark points, and the data were analyzed after removing non-shape data. According to the results, the fishes of the Mehran River exhibited a deeper caudal peduncle, a higher caudal-fin base, and a longer body, reflecting their adaptation to lentic conditions. Fishes living in pool environments in Khoor-e-Goor had shorter snouts and deeper bodies, indicating adaptive phenotypic plasticity to lotic conditions. Conversely, the fishes of the Rasoul and Shoor rivers displayed traits common to other groups, showing morphological adaptations to lotic conditions during rainfall seasons and to lentic conditions in dry seasons with strong selective pressures. Sexual dimorphism in head traits observed in the Khoor-e-Goor and Rasoul taxa may be related to the mouth-breeding function in females, which requires a larger buccal cavity. Finally, the observed differences between the studied groups can be attributed to ongoing adaptive phenotypic plasticity in response to selective environmental pressures. Introduction Iran, with its 19 basins, boasts a diverse range of biological components from the Palearctic, Ethiopian, and Oriental biogeographical realms. The composition of Iranian inland water fishes is the result of a combination of natural geographical events and human-induced habitat segregation. To date, two species of Cichlids have been reported in Iran, namely Iranocichla hormuzensis and Iranocichla persa. Most populations of Iranian cichlids are distributed in hot springs in Hormuzgan and southern Fars provinces. The varied geographical and climatological conditions in Iran highlight the need for more extensive taxonomical studies on the country's inland water fishes. The Iranian native cichlids, Iranocichla spp., belonging to the Cichlidae family, are taxa of African origin that have become isolated in the region. They possess significant ecological, biodiversity, and aquaculture values. Materials and Methods In this study, intra-population morphological diversity and sexual dimorphism of Iranocichla spp. and their distinctiveness were investigated using landmark-based geometric morphometrics methods in the water bodies of Hormozgan Province, Iran. For this purpose, 286 specimens of Iranian cichlids were collected from the Mehran, Rasoul, Shoor, and Khoor-e-Goor hot streams using electrofishing. All specimens were anesthetized with 1% clove oil extract, fixed in 4% formaldehyde, and then transported to the laboratory for further analysis. The geometric shapes of the fish were digitized using 17 morphological landmark points with the aid of TPSDig2 software. All non-shape data, including size, scale, and direction, were removed using Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA). The data were then analyzed using statistical programs PAST and MorphoJ, employing multivariate methods such as MANOVA/CVA, DFA, and Cluster Analysis. Findings The obtained results between the coordinates of morphological landmarks and Procrustes distances (r=1) confirmed the validity of Procrustes distances for statistical analyses. The results of the MANOVA/CVA indicated significant statistical differences between all taxa (Wilk's Lambda = 0.033, F = 18.5, P < 0.001). The greatest morphological differences were observed between the Mehran and Khoor-e-Goor populations, while the least differences were noted between the Rasoul and Shoor populations. Cluster analysis with 1,000 permutations corroborated the MANOVA/CVA results. Accordingly, the Rasoul-Shoor specimens were grouped together with 53% support, but the Mehran specimens were distinctly separated from the others with 100% support. The only observed sexual morphological dimorphism was found in the Rasoul specimens. Conclusions and Results Habitat-related morphological differentiation has been confirmed in many studies. In the present research, the distinct ecological differences between habitats were apparent. Khoor-e-Goor, a hot sulfur spring, exhibits lentic conditions, while Mehran represents a lotic ecosystem. Rasoul and Shoor, being permanent rivers, demonstrate some lentic conditions, especially in dry seasons. The bottleneck effect is one of the outcomes of ecological selective pressures. The Cichlidae family is renowned for its considerable morphological plasticity, particularly in the buccal region, which is linked to feeding and breeding functions. This group of fish is well-known for their rapid and diverse morphological adaptations in response to ecological segregation pressures. Our findings confirmed the adaptability and morphological plasticity of these species in response to ecological conditions. Ultimately, the observed differences between the studied groups can be attributed to ongoing adaptive phenotypic plasticity, influenced by selective environmental pressures.

https://tbj.ui.ac.ir/article_26921_4b7b49afbb4d60fd4a611c3c760d60a6.pdf

University of Isfahan Taxonomy and Biosystematics 3115-9001 14 53 2023 01 21 A Floristic Study and Comparison of the Core and Buffer Zones of the Tange-Khoshk Forest Reserve of Semirom in Isfahan Province مطالعۀ فلوریستیک و مقایسۀ دو بخش مرکزی و ضربه‌گیر ذخیره‌گاه جنگلی تنگ‌خشک سمیرم در استان اصفهان 17 48 27089 10.22108/tbj.2022.134846.1211 EN Hadis Asadi Ph. D. Student of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Maryam Haerinasab Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Gholamreza Bakhshi Khaniki Professor, Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Younes Asri Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-4566-1756 Mohabat Nadaf Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2022 08 24 In the present study, the flora of the Tange-Khoshk Forest Reserve in Semirom, Isfahan, comprising two zones, the core zone (under protection) and the buffer zone, was investigated to introduce the floristic composition, life forms, and geographical distribution, as well as to understand the effects of exclosure on the vegetation structure. In this region, a total of 194 species belonging to 45 plant genera were identified. The families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae were the most abundant in terms of species count. Regarding life forms, hemicryptophytes were dominant in both the core and buffer zones. The study of the geographical distribution of species revealed that, in both zones, most species belonged to the Irano-Turanian vegetation area. This research demonstrated that the exclosure of the Tange-Khoshk forest reserve has led to an increase in vegetation diversity, particularly marked by the presence of various tree species in the core zone. Introduction In Iran, the primary method of forest protection involves the establishment of reserves. Each forest reserve includes a central part that is fully protected. Surrounding this core zone is a buffer zone where activities such as animal grazing, human interference, and recreational activities are permitted, which in turn contributes to the protection and sustainability of the core zone. The Tange-Khoshk forest reserve, encompassing an area of 6000 hectares, is situated 40 km from Semirom city in the southern part of Isfahan province. This reserve was established in 1372 AH (1993) with the primary aim of preserving the tree species Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica. In this research, the focus is not only on evaluating the flora, life forms, and chorology of the vegetation but also on investigating the effect of the reserve's establishment on the structure of vegetation in both the core and buffer zones over a span of 28 years. Materials and Methods In the study area, plants were collected and identified using reliable sources, following the APG IV system (2016). The identified specimens were then deposited in the herbarium of the Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. To classify their life forms, Raunkiaer's (1934) classification system was utilized. Additionally, the Red Data Book of Iran and several authoritative articles were consulted to evaluate endangered species. Furthermore, the chorotype of each species was determined based on their distribution areas in Iran and other countries. This process involved referencing the geographical divisions of Iranian vegetation compiled by Takhtadzhian (1986), Zohary (1973), and Assadi (1986-2018). Results and Discussion Based on the results, the number of species in the core and buffer zones was 182 and 57, respectively, indicating higher species diversity in the core area. When investigating the effect of exclosure on vegetation diversity, assuming that variables affecting plants, such as climate, soil, and slope, remain constant, the differences in species diversity between the core and buffer zones can be attributed to grazing in the buffer area. Among the identified plant species, there were 11 species of trees and shrubs, primarily growing in the core area, which is likely due to the influence of the area's enclosure. In conclusion, it appears that enclosures can have positive effects on soil condition improvement, and consequently, on the establishment and reproduction of vegetation in the unprotected areas of Zagros. In this research, there was a significant difference observed between the presence and absence of tree species inside and outside the reserve. Tree species such as Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica, Celtis australis subsp. caucasica, Lonicera nummulariifolia, Platanus orientalis, Atraphaxis spinosa, Rhamnus pallasii, Prunus macrocarpa, and Acer monspessulanum were found to grow only in the core zone. However, species like Prunus lycioides, with their long, sharp thorns and rough, dense shapes that protect them from grazing, have been easily established in both regions. Also, the diversity of the Poaceae family was greater in the exclosure region than outside, which can be attributed to the complete vegetative growth of these species due to the creation of desirable conditions, such as the prevention of livestock grazing in the core zone. This factor, combined with the abundance of seeds in this family, can be one of the reasons for the high distribution and diversity of these species throughout the reserve. The abundance of the genus Astragalus, which is specific to the mountainous regions of the Irano-Turanian vegetation area, indicates the cold and semi-arid mountain conditions in the region. The herbaceous species of this genus were more prevalent in the core area, which, due to the palatability of these plants, are most likely grazed by livestock in the buffer zone. Additionally, the comparison of endangered plant species (EN) and plants at lower risk (LR) showed that the number of these species is 13 in the buffer area and 32 in the core zone. It appears that the limited distribution and presence of these species in the buffer zone are due to grazing in this area. This research demonstrated that the buffer zone has been degraded due to factors such as excessive livestock grazing, the presence of agricultural lands on the edge of the reserve, fire, and the harvesting and cutting of trees. These factors have led to the invasion of certain species such as Scariola orientalis, Euphorbia heteradena, and Eremurus spectabilis in some parts of the region. Therefore, significant threats, including road construction and agricultural activities, can lead to the loss of reserves, which serve as the last natural habitats for some endangered species. The study of species endemism revealed that in this region, there are 16 species endemic to Iran, belonging to 9 genera and five families, of which 12 species are relatively vulnerable. Consequently, it can be stated that 25.8% of the total species in Semirom’s Tange-Khoshk forest reserve are endemic, underscoring the necessity for their preservation and further study. Funding This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

https://tbj.ui.ac.ir/article_27089_486421170a48d1c34b1ab2188cd0b357.pdf

University of Isfahan Taxonomy and Biosystematics 3115-9001 14 53 2023 01 21 Investigating the Flora, Life Form, Chorology, and Conservation Classes of Plants in Garin Mountain, Delfan County- Lorestan Province معرفی فلور، شکل زیستی، پراکنش جغرافیایی و طبقۀ حفاظتی گیاهان کوه گرین، شهرستان دلفان - استان لرستان 49 76 27607 10.22108/tbj.2023.136491.1224 EN Amir Mairzaei Mossivand Assistant Professor, Department of Range and Watershed, Faculty of Natural Resources, Lorestan University, Lorestan, Iran. Journal Article 2023 01 17 This study aimed to investigate the flora, life forms, chorology, and endemic plants along with their conservation status in the Garin Mountains, Delfan County, Lorestan Province. Initially, plant samples observed in the area during the growing season were collected. Based on common methods of plant taxonomy, the family, genus, and species of each sample were determined. Subsequently, the conservation statuses of the plants in the region were examined, following the classification of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Red Data Book of Iran. The results indicated 212 species belonging to 150 genera and 46 families. The largest families, in terms of the number of species, were Asteraceae with 34 species (16.04%), Lamiaceae with 30 species (14.15%), Poaceae with 29 species (13.68%), Brassicaceae with 22 species (10.38%), Fabaceae with 19 species (8.96%), and Apiaceae with 10 species (4.72%). The life forms of the plants, determined based on Raunkiaer’s classification, included hemicryptophytes (42.92%), therophytes (35.85%), geophytes (10.85%), phanerophytes (5.66%), and chamaephytes (4.72%). In terms of geographical distribution, 51% of the species were Iran-Turanian elements. Upon reviewing the rare, endemic species of Iran in the region, two conservation classes were identified: Lower Risk (LR) with 14 species and Endangered (En) with one species. Introduction The flora of each region is essentially a result of the biological community's response to current conditions, as well as the evolution of plants in past periods and the geographical situation of those times. Considering the crucial role of plant identification and its undeniable importance in biological sciences, understanding the capacity of the environment, utilizing it as rationally as possible, and improving it, the scientific identification of plants in each field has become fundamentally important, both for research and practical applications. Furthermore, the identification of vegetation and the study of the geographical distribution of plants in a region form the basis of ecological studies and research in that area, playing a significant role in implementing proper management strategies. This research was conducted for the first time on the northern slopes of the Graen Mountain in Delfan city. One of its primary objectives was to accurately identify and evaluate the plants of the region, their life forms, geographical distribution, and introduce Iran's exclusive plants in the region along with their conservation classes. Materials and Methods Delfan County is located in the northwest of Lorestan province. The maximum elevation of the studied area is 3,362 meters, and the minimum elevation is 1,924 meters above sea level. The average annual rainfall in Delfan is about 490 mm, and the average annual temperature is 11.8°C. Plant samples were collected and identified over two vegetative periods. The plants in the area were collected and identified based on reliable sources and the APG IV system (2016), and then deposited in the herbarium of the Faculty of Natural Resources at Lorestan University. Raunkiaer's (1934) was used to determine their life forms. Additionally, the Red Data Book of Iran and some authoritative articles were consulted to evaluate endangered species. Moreover, the chorotype of the species was identified according to their distribution areas in Iran and other countries, and the compilation of the geographical divisions of Iranian vegetation by Takhtajan (1986), Zohary (1973), and Assadi (1986-2020). Research Findings In this study, 212 plant species from 150 genera and 46 families were identified in the studied area. The most significant families in the region included Asteraceae with 34 species (16.04%), Lamiaceae with 30 species (14.15%), Poaceae with 29 species (13.68%), Brassicaceae with 22 species (10.38%), Fabaceae with 19 species (8.96%), and Apiaceae with 10 species (4.72%). The results indicated that in terms of life forms (germination and wintering position), hemicryptophytes, with 91 species (42.92%), are the predominant life forms in the studied area. Geographically, 51% of the species belonged to the Iran-Turanian elements. Upon reviewing the rare endemic species of Iran in the region, two conservation classes were identified: Lower Risk (LR) with 14 species and Endangered (En) with one species. Discussion of Results and Conclusion The dominance of plants from the Asteraceae family in the region may be attributed to environmental disturbances. The biological spectrum of plant species and the percentage of each life form present can provide insights into the region's climate. The abundance of hemicryptophyte plants suggests a cold and mountainous climate. Given the mountainous terrain and the cold climate of the studied area, this prevalence of hemicryptophytes can be seen as an adaptation to the cold conditions and livestock grazing. The geographical distribution of the complete set of plant species in a region reflects the influence of various vegetation areas. This study found that the majority of the regional vegetation elements identified (51%) are characteristic of the Irano-Turanian region. The elevation range between 2,000 and 2,500 meters supports the dominance of Irano-Turanian traits, suggesting that altitude is a key factor in the prevalence of these traits in the studied area. The presence of rare and endangered species underscores the extent of environmental degradation in the area. Since effective environmental planning for any region requires a comprehensive understanding of its vegetation and species diversity, the study of plants is crucial not only in terms of their natural characteristics but also as modifiers of human living conditions, especially in development planning and construction projects.

https://tbj.ui.ac.ir/article_27607_d991945606f5b653392d1cae21117450.pdf

University of Isfahan Taxonomy and Biosystematics 3115-9001 14 53 2023 01 21 Population Fluctuation and Spatial Distribution of Thrips in Bean Farms (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) in Lorestan Province, West of Iran تغییرات جمعیت و پراکنش فضایی تریپس‌‌های مزارع لوبیا (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) در استان لرستان، غرب ایران 77 92 27458 10.22108/tbj.2023.136883.1226 EN Hadis Mohammadi Noori Ph.D. student, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran Shahriar Jafari Associated Professor, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran Majid Mirab-balou Associated Professor, Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran Journal Article 2023 02 19 Considering the significant damage caused by thrips species to bean crops, this study investigated population fluctuations, species diversity, and the spatial distribution of thrips in relation to the growth stages of red beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in bean farms of Selseleh county (Lorestan province, west of Iran). Sampling was conducted from the time the beans developed two leaves until the leaves dried, in two farms located in the villages of Cham-Takleh and Dartang during 2021. The sampling in the farms followed a W-shaped pattern. In each sampling, 20 leaves were selected, and thrips were collected by shaking the leaves over a white tray. This study identified 12 species of thrips. Among them, the highest frequency was observed in onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (69.43%). The results of population fluctuation showed that in Cham-Takleh, the highest densities of onion thrips and flower thrips were 166.35 ± 4.99 and 16.85 ± 1.38, respectively, while in Dartang, they were 159.3 ± 3.61 and 22.6 ± 1.32 on average. In both locations, the highest values of biodiversity indices were observed during the reproductive stage of the bean. The highest values of the Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, Pielou evenness, and Margalef richness indices in Cham-Takleh were 2.94, 0.93, 0.95, and 2.98, respectively, and in Dartang, they were 2.89, 0.91, 0.94, and 2.74. Overall, the results of this study indicated that the population peak of onion and flower thrips occurred during the reproductive and pod development stages of beans, with their density gradually decreasing in the farms. Given that thrips can cause significant damage to bean crops at this stage, appropriate management measures are advisable for farmers. Introduction Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Fabaceae) is one of the most widely cultivated legume plants in many countries. Lorestan province is one of the most important bean-growing regions in Iran, with a cultivated area of 15,887 hectares. Several insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts, such as thrips, leafhoppers, aphids, and plant bugs, are pests on beans. However, thrips, the most dangerous among these pests, are the focus of this research. Thrips can attack beans from the moment the seedlings emerge from the ground through to the flowering stage. Considering the significant damage caused by thrips species to bean crops, the present study investigates the population fluctuation, species diversity, and spatial distribution of thrips in relation to the growth stages of beans in the farms of Selseleh County (Lorestan province, west of Iran). Materials and Methods In this study, sampling was conducted from the time the bean plants developed two leaves until the leaves dried, in two farms located in the villages of Cham-Takleh and Dartang during the year 2021. The sampling in the farms followed a W-shaped pattern. In each sampling event, 20 leaves were selected, and thrips were collected by shaking the leaves over a white tray. For accurate counting of thrips, a stereomicroscope was used; some samples were separated, microscopic slides were prepared from selected samples, and the number of thrips was recorded. The spatial distribution of both immature and adult thrips was estimated using Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s patchiness regression methods. Biodiversity indices were calculated using PAST software. This study included counting of larvae and adult insects. Additionally, to investigate the effect of temperature and humidity on thrips population density, a multiple linear regression was employed, correlating average daily temperature, average daily relative humidity, and thrips population density on each sampling date. For data analysis, Excel 2016 was used to calculate the relative frequency, and T-Test was applied to compute biodiversity indices and compare diversity data between different regions. Statistical tests were performed using SPSS version 23. Results and Conclusion In this study, 12 species of thrips were collected and identified. Amongst them, the highest percentage of frequency was related to onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (69.43%) and flower thrips, Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) (12.11%). The frequency (%) of the other species are as follows: Aeolothripidae: Aeolothrips intermedius Bagnall (6.63), A. collaris Priesner (1.13); Thripidae: Tenothrips frici (Uzel) (4.76), Thrips trehernei Priesner (2.8), Odontothrips confusus Priesner (1.5), Scolothrips longicornis Priesner (1.3), Neohydatothrips gracilicornis (Williams) (0.09), Microcephalothrips abdominalis (Crawford) (0.08); Phlaeothripidae: Haplothrips reuteri (Karny) (0.1), and H. globiceps Bagnall (0.07). The results of population fluctuation showed that in Cham-Takleh, the highest density of onion thrips and flower thrips was 166.35 ± 4.99 and 16.85 ± 1.38, respectively. In addition, in Dartang the highest density was 159.3 ± 3.61 and 22.6 ± 1.32 on average. Also, in both sites, the highest values of biodiversity indices were observed in the reproductive stage of beans. The highest values of Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, Pielou evenness, and Margalef richness indices in Cham-Takleh were 2.94, 0.93, 0.95, and 2.98, and in Dartang were 2.89, 0.91, 0.94 and 2.74, respectively. In general, the results of this study showed that the population peak of onion thrips and flower thrips was observed in the reproductive and development of pod stages of beans, and their density gradually decreased in the farms. Appropriate management measures can be provided for farmers considering that at this stage of the bean, thrips can cause a lot of damage to the bean crops. Funding Funding was provided by the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.

https://tbj.ui.ac.ir/article_27458_881b19639fea8c1d2939b1f99fc59199.pdf

University of Isfahan Taxonomy and Biosystematics 3115-9001 14 53 2023 01 21 Genetic Diversity Assessment of Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb.) Populations in Isfahan Province Using CDDP Molecular Marker ارزیابی تنوع ژنتیکی جمعیت‌های گز پرشاخه (Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb.) در استان اصفهان با استفاده از نشانگر مولکولی CDDP 93 112 27490 10.22108/tbj.2023.136298.1222 EN Seyed Abbas Mir Jalili Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production, Imam Khomeini Higher Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension, Tehran, Iran Mohammas Ali Ghavampour Ph. D. of Rangeland Sciences, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Elaheh Latifi MSc. in Plant Sciences, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Payame Noor University, Isfahan, Iran Elahe Poor Azizi Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran Journal Article 2023 01 02 Tamarix species are tolerant to adverse environmental conditions and have a significant distribution in dry and salty areas. Tamarix ramosissima is the most widely distributed species among the Tamarix in Isfahan province and is mostly located in dry and desert areas. Due to the high morphological diversity of this species, the lack of population differentiation, and to investigate the diversity in the populations of this species, 55 populations from 15 cities in Isfahan province were identified, and one individual was sampled from each population. After extracting their genomes, 10 CDDP marker primers were used to investigate the genetic diversity of these plant populations. NTSYS-pc, GenAlex, and PowerMarker software were utilized for data analysis. The results showed that 102 bands (80.168%) were polymorphic among the 124 bands produced. On average, each primer created 7.85% polymorphic bands. The WRKY-F1 primer identified more gene loci than other primers by producing 16 bands. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) was calculated to be 0.308. The indicator index for each primer was, on average, 3.865. Molecular analysis of variance indicated that intra-population variation was higher than inter-population variation. Cluster analysis and PCoA revealed the existence of two separate populations and three subpopulations among them. In general, the effectiveness of the CDDP marker in differentiating the populations of Tamarix ramosissima and the high genetic diversity within the populations, which is a valuable trait for breeding purposes, were confirmed. Introduction The genus Tamarix, included in the Tamaricaceae family, is one of the most taxonomically challenging tree genera. It is not possible to separate and differentiate species within this genus using vegetative traits alone. Additionally, hybridization between species of the genus, followed by introgression, has further complicated the classification of this genus. Tamarix species are tolerant to adverse environmental conditions and have significant distribution in dry and salty areas. T. ramosissima is the most widely distributed species within this genus in Isfahan province and is predominantly found in dry and desert areas. The high morphological diversity of this species, coupled with the lack of population differentiation, has underscored the necessity of a careful study of its populations. The genetic diversity of T. ramosissima has not yet been studied in Iran. Furthermore, detailed information about the taxonomy, genetic structure, and population genetics of the species that grow in Iran is scarce. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the populations of this species in Isfahan province using the CDDP molecular marker. Materials and Methods To investigate the diversity in the populations of this species, 55 populations from 15 cities in Isfahan province were identified, with one individual sampled from each population. After extracting their genomes, 10 CDDP marker primers were utilized to examine the genetic diversity of these plant populations. For data analysis, NTSYS-pc, GenAlex, and PowerMarker software were employed. Genomic DNA was extracted from plant leaves. The quantity and quality of the extracted DNA were evaluated using a spectrophotometer at a 260 nm wavelength and through 0.8% agarose gel electrophoresis. The initial annealing step for isolating and denaturing the template DNA was set for 4 minutes at 94°C. This was followed by 35 cycles, each including an annealing step performed at 94°C for 1 minute. The PCR reaction products were visualized using electrophoresis on 1.5% agarose gel, followed by documentation with a gel documentation machine. Research Findings The results indicated that using 10 primers, a total of 124 bands were produced, of which 102 bands (80.168%) were polymorphic. The WRKY-F1 primer produced 16 bands, identifying more gene loci than other primers, while the WRKY-R3 primer produced the fewest, with 8 bands. The lowest and highest levels of polymorphism were associated with the primers WRKY-R3, MADS-4 (with 5 bands, 62.50%, 45.45%), and ABP1-1 (with 15 bands, 100%), respectively. On average, each primer generated 85.7% polymorphic bands. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) was calculated to be 0.308. The highest PIC value was associated with the MADS-2 primer at 0.455, while the lowest was for the KNOX-2 primer at 0.0975. The average marker index for each primer was 3.865, with the highest and lowest values being for ABP1-1 (6.664) and KNOX-2 (1.56), respectively. Molecular analysis of variance revealed that intra-population variation was higher than inter-population variation. Cluster analysis and PCoA demonstrated the existence of two distinct populations and three subpopulations among them. Mantel's test results showed the amount of genetic difference, genetic distance, and geographic distance between the populations of saltcedar, indicating no significant relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance at the 5% level. Discussion of Results and Conclusion In the present study, a very high level of genetic diversity was observed within the populations at each location. Considering the ecological conditions prevalent in the Isfahan region, this degree of diversity is not unexpected. Indeed, unfavorable environmental conditions and geographical isolation are factors that can lead individuals of a species to accumulate genetic changes during the process of adaptation to their environment. The efficacy of the CDDP marker in differentiating the populations of T. ramosissima, as well as the high genetic diversity within these populations, which is a valuable trait for breeding purposes, was confirmed. Additionally, the analysis of population similarity, as demonstrated through dendrogram construction and PCoA coordinate axis plotting, revealed that the studied populations are divided into two main groups and three subpopulations. The genotypes found in Isfahan exhibited the highest genetic diversity among the populations.

https://tbj.ui.ac.ir/article_27490_dd773bdff8925e6bf9bda522211598a7.pdf

University of Isfahan Taxonomy and Biosystematics 3115-9001 14 53 2023 01 21 A Study of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L. 1758) Population in Some Regions in Northwest Iran Using the Geometric Morphometric Method مطالعۀ جمعیتی زنبور عسل (Apis mellifera L. 1758) در برخی مناطق شمال غرب ایران با روش مورفومتریک هندسی 113 130 27573 10.22108/tbj.2023.137283.1228 EN Zahra Zaboli B.Sc Student, Department of Plant and Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Roohollah Abbasi Assistant Professor, Department of Plant and Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2023 04 08 The honey bee is one of the most economically important insect species due to its crucial role in the pollination of agricultural and non-agricultural plants, as well as its direct product contributions. The western honey bee, Apis mellifera, now considered a cosmopolitan species due to its widespread distribution by humans, originated in Africa, Europe, and West Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of this bee in parts of northwest Iran. Worker bees were collected from six study stations in West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan provinces and assessed using the geometric morphometric method. Changes in the size and shape of the forewings and hindwings were investigated using 16 homologous landmarks at the bifurcation of the wings. Regarding the size of the forewings and hindwings, the Chahar Borj population of West Azerbaijan had the largest, while the Malekan population of East Azerbaijan had the smallest wings. Significant differences were observed between all the study stations of East Azerbaijan and those of West Azerbaijan. In terms of forewing shape, significant differences were found in all pairwise comparisons except between the populations of Sahand Mountain and Kordeh Deh village. However, for the hindwing, significant differences were observed in only three pairwise comparisons. Additionally, the regression analysis revealed that, unlike the hindwing, changes in the forewing's size and shape are interdependent, with allometry also being observed. This study demonstrates that despite the geographical proximity of the study stations, significant diversity exists in the bee populations. Introduction Bees are insects with a lineage dating back 120 million years. Honey bees include 10 species belonging to the genus Apis, of which the species Apis mellifera has become a cosmopolitan species with the help of humans. Honey bees produce valuable products for humans and play a crucial role in crop pollination. In recent years, this species has experienced a global decline due to factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, pesticides, and diseases. One aspect that can aid in the adaptation of bees and better equip them to face these challenges is genetic diversity. In this study, the morphological diversity of honey bees, which can sometimes reflect genetic diversity, was investigated in areas of northwest Iran using the geometric morphometric method. This approach is expected to provide insights into the adaptability and resilience of honey bee populations in these regions. Materials and Methods A total of 218 bees were collected from 6 study stations located in West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan provinces during the spring and summer of 2022 with the cooperation of beekeepers and were transferred to the laboratory and placed in ethanol. Microscopic slides of the right forewing and hindwing of 180 bees were prepared and were photographed using a stereomicroscope equipped with a camera. The number of 16 landmarks in the forewing and 5 landmarks in the hindwing were selected at the bifurcation of the wings and were landmarked using tpsDig2 software. The coordinates of the landmarks were also saved. Then, these coordinates were statistically analyzed in different pieces of software in order to detect possible differences in the shape and size of the fore and hindwings in different populations. Research Findings In terms of the size of the forewings and hindwings, comparisons between the populations revealed diversity. The average centroid size of the forewings and hindwings indicated that the Chahar Borj honey bee population had the largest wings, while the Malekan honey bee population had the smallest. A one-way non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis Analysis of Variance, along with its post hoc tests on the centroid size data of the forewings and hindwings, revealed significant differences among most of the populations. Regarding the general shape of the forewings and hindwings, various analyses, including Principal Component Analysis, Canonical Variate Analysis, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance, highlighted diversity and significant differences between the populations. Cluster Analysis of the populations based on forewing and hindwing data further divided these populations into three distinct clusters. In examining the relationship between wing size and shape, Regression Analysis indicated the presence of allometry solely in the forewing. Discussion of Results and Conclusion Economically, honey bees are one of the most important insect species. Both morphological and molecular characteristics are employed to evaluate their diversity and to differentiate between populations and species. In recent years, geometric morphometry has been increasingly utilized to distinguish between species, subspecies, and populations. In this study, geometric morphometrics was applied to assess the diversity of the forewings and hindwings of bees. The results revealed that despite the sampled populations being located in a relatively small geographical area, they exhibited a considerable amount of diversity. This finding is significant because a lack of population diversity in honey bees renders them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and the impacts of climate change. The study underscores the importance of understanding and preserving the genetic and morphological diversity within bee populations to enhance their resilience against environmental challenges. Acknowledgment The authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to the journal officials and referees for their valuable contributions. This study was conducted with the financial support of the University of Isfahan and the award granted by the late Dr. Kazemi Ashtiani of the National Elite Foundation, dedicated to young assistant professors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to both these esteemed institutions for their support and assistance.

https://tbj.ui.ac.ir/article_27573_dfa97836dd745ab7331e554a56ce6339.pdf