Salvia nemorosa is widely distributed in different parts of Iran, while, there is no information about its population genetic structure and genetic diversity. The current information of its potential protection or conservation status in Iran is almost absent and unclear. Our investigation was the first molecular study of this medicinal species. We performed analysis of genetic variability and population structure of 11 populations of S. nemorosa in Iran using ISSR technique. We revealed intra and inter-population genetic diversity in the studied populations. Genetic parameters widely varied among the studied populations and confirmed their high genetic diversity. Moreover, AMOVA test showed significant molecular variation among and within the populations. The arrangement of populations and their individuals in NJ tree, PCA and MDS plots was in agreement with AMOVA results and individuals of five groups were overlapped. The Nm value showed low amount of gene flow among the populations. Based on STRUCTURE analysis and UPGMA tree of genetic distance, six genetic groups were identified among the studied populations, while two populations had significant differences and could be definite as ecotypes.
