A RAPD-Based Exploration of Genetic Variation in the Some taxa of Astragalus L. Genus: Implications for Conservation and Taxonomy

Astragalus L. is regarded as the most extensive genus of vascular plants globally, encompassing around 3092 species and distributed across Eurasia and the America. Türkiye hosts 493 species categorized into 63 distinct taxonomic groups. This study examines the restricted molecular diversity studies pertaining to the sections of the genus Astragalus. The study primarily investigated ten (10) Astragalus taxa indigenous to Türkiye. The Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was utilized to evaluate the existence of genetic polymorphisms. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sections Anthylloidei DC (A. anthylloides, A. halicacabus, and A. ermineus), Macrophyllium Bunge (A. oleifolius and A. dipodurus), and Hymenostegis Bunge (A. lagopoides, A. velenowskyi, and A. hirticalyx) are closely related, whereas the sections Poterion Bunge (A. russelli) and Hymenocoleus Bunge (A. vaginans) are situated in distinct locations. This project seeks to enhance the molecular characterization of Astragalus taxa, create molecular biodiversity inventories, and elucidate phylogenetic relationships. The results concerning genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships bear substantial implications for future research and underscore Astragalus species that possess economic significance in diverse domains, such as traditional medicine, agriculture, and landscaping.