Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used as a tool for assessing
genetic diversity and species relationships among five species from Rutaceae family [Sour
orange (Citrus aurantium L.); Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck); Mandarin (Citrus
reticulata Blanco); Pummelo (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.) and Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi
Macf.)] and four species from Apiaceae [Carrots (Daucus carota L.; Celery (Apium graveolens
(Mill.) Pers.); Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and Dill (Anethum graveolus L.)]. These plants
were collected from a different region at Hilla city in Iraq. A total of 50 polymorphic
amplified products from 170 bands were obtained from eight primers (OPC2, OPC8, OPC14,
OPB11 ,OPB18 ,BH10 ,BH11 and BH14) in Citrus species and the value of Jaccard’s
coefficient ranged from 0.246 to 0.690. In contrast of 81 polymorphic amplified products from
129 bands in four species in Apiaceae and the value of Jaccard’s coefficient ranged from 0.080
to 0.269. Based on the bivariate (1-0) data and genetic similarity with the use of the UPGMA
cluster method, the dendrogram separated the studied species. Therefore, it could be
concluded that RAPD technique an efficient technique for studying the molecular
characterization and used for resolving relationships among plant populations.