Application of DNA barcodes and spatial analysis in conservation genetics and modeling of Iranian Salicornia genetic resources

Iran is one of the origins of some Salicornia species. Nevertheless, so far, comprehensive research has not been conducted on genetic potential, distribution, selection of populations, and the economic utilization of Salicornia in Iran. In the current study, Salicornia was collected based on the previous research locations available on 26 different geographical locations of provinces in Iran. Subsequently, an accurate model was provided for identifying of Salicornia species biodiversity by performing spatial analysis and modeling of distributed areas. The results provided valuable information on the diversity of specific geographical regions, conservation status of existing species, prioritization of conservation areas, and selection of areas for Agro-Ecological, leading to the development of industrial agriculture. Further, we validated genes in the field of DNA barcoding in Salicornia plants using matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, ycf and ITS2 identifying species groups. Together, integrating our results will provide useful information for the management and utilization of Salicornia genetic resources in Iran.