The Use of Minisatellite Markers for DNA Fingerprinting in Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin)

In this study, 10 genotypes, including diverse Nigella accessions collected from different regions of Turkey, were evaluated for genetic diversity using minisatellite (URP/DAMD) markers. Genomic DNA was isolated using the modified CTAB method, and PCR amplifications were performed with a total of 20 minisatellite primers. The obtained band profiles were scored in 1/0 format; band number (N), Polymorphism Information Content (PIC), Nei–Li similarity coefficient, UPGMA dendrogram, and PCoA analyses were applied. All primers used produced amplification, with band numbers ranging from 4 to 8. PIC values were determined to be in the range of 0.080–0.253, and the average PIC value was calculated as 0.173. These results indicate that minisatellite markers provide a moderate level of polymorphism in the differentiation of Nigella genotypes. Nei–Li similarity coefficients revealed high similarity values (0.92–0.97) among N. sativa populations; however, N. damascena was determined to be genetically distinct from N. sativa (0.39–0.43). UPGMA dendrogram and PCoA results supported the Nei–Li similarity analysis; N. sativa populations clustered together, while N. damascena formed a distinct genetic group on its own. This confirms that minisatellite markers are effective in determining both intraspecific and interspecific genetic differentiation. Furthermore, N. sativa populations were found to be highly similar to each other, suggesting that the gene pool may be relatively narrow. Overall, minisatellite markers are reliable tools for the genetic evaluation of Nigella species, and limited genetic variation was detected in the material studied. This study is one of the first examples of the use of minisatellite markers in Nigella species, providing important information for genetic resource management and breeding programs.