Genetic Diversity among five Species of Willow (Salix spp.) from Duhok region- Kurdistan\ Iraq Based on AFLP and SRAP Markers

The paper explores the genetic diversity and taxonomic classification of the genus Salix (willows), a taxonomically complex group in the Salicaceae family.It employs molecular markers, including AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) and SRAP (Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism), alongside chloroplast sequences, to analyze genetic relationships among five Salix species (S. alba, S. babylonica, S. purpurea, S. acmophylla, and S. aegyptiaca).The findings reveal significant genetic variability and propose a revised infrageneric classification of Salix.Key results include: S. alba and S. purpurea are closely related, forming a cluster, while S. babylonica is genetically distinct.S. acmophylla and S. aegyptiaca show close genetic similarity, likely due to geographic and environmental adaptations.The combined molecular markers (AFLP and SRAP) demonstrate high polymorphism rates, confirming their effectiveness for studying genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in Salix.The research also underscores the influence of environmental factors on species clustering, contributing to a better understanding of Salix taxonomy and genetic relationships.