Advances in Biology & Earth Sciences

The Mediterranean saltbush (Atriplex spp.) is a key halophytic shrub adapted to arid and saline environments but is increasingly threatened by overgrazing and climate change. This study assessed genetic diversity and population structure of native Jordanian saltbush genotypes to support conservation and germplasm selection efforts. Genomic DNA was isolated from two species, Atriplex halimus L. and A. leucoclada (Boiss.), sampled across multiple locations in Jordan. Four reproducible inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers generated a total of 48 polymorphic bands, revealing high levels of marker polymorphism. Binary ISSR data (2,304 scored entries) were used to estimate genetic diversity indices, pairwise genetic similarities and to construct a cluster dendrogram. Shannon’s information index and Nei’s gene diversity indicated moderate to high genetic diversity within both species, while cluster analysis revealed clear genetic differentiation among genotypes without strict geographic structuring. Several highly divergent genotypes were identified and have been conserved under greenhouse and field conditions as valuable genetic resources for future breeding, restoration and conservation programs.