Investigation of ISSR Markers for Genetic Diversity and Agronomic Traits in Soft Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

<jats:p>The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the agro-morphological and genetic diversity among 31 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown under irrigated conditions. The study also aimed to investigate the relationship between phenotypic traits and molecular marker variation, and to identify promising genotypes for breeding programs. The research was conducted at the Absheron Experimental Station of the Institute of Genetic Resources (ANAS), Azerbaijan, during the 2017-2019 growing season. Thirty-one bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for six key traits: plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, SPAD index, grain weight per plant, and thousand-grain weight. Molecular diversity was assessed using three ISSR primers (UBC835, UBC857, UBC859). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and cluster analysis (UPGMA, Jaccard’s coefficient). Significant variation was found among genotypes for all measured traits. Genotypes such as v. murinum, geancolutescene, and delfi showed high grain weight and SPAD values. ISSR markers revealed moderate polymorphism, with UBC835 showing the highest PIC (0.39). Clustering based on phenotypic and molecular data was partially consistent. Integrated use of agro-morphological and molecular data revealed valuable genetic diversity. Positive correlation between yield components supports their use in selection. Identified elite genotypes are potential candidates for marker-assisted breeding in drought-prone regions. Keywords: Triticum aestivum, genetic diversity, ISSR markers, phenotypic traits, yield components, SPAD.</jats:p>