Consideration and comparison of genetic diversity of English yew species (Taxus baccata L.) by using branch and leaf peroxidase

English yew (Taxus baccata L.) species is one of the rare native conifers of Iran and remained from tertiary third growth period. Due to excessive exploitation and also for slow growing, now a days the species is facing extinction treat and remaining individuals have high genetic value. Genetic diversity existence between populations of one species display the best ways for diversity conservation of the populations and for finding plus maternal individuals for seed stores. This research was done with the aim of evaluation and comparison of genetic diversity and polymorphism of yew, based on branch and leaf peroxidase, verifying best organ for genetic diversity study and for recognition of index individuals of yew in Afratakhte location of Zarin Gol in Aliabad of Golestan province (IRAN). Contemporaneous sampling from biennial growth of branch and leaf of 42 individuals were taken based on three populations. Extracts were prepared from the samples immediately after the sampling. Measurements of quantitative activities were done by spectrophotometer and qualitative studies with electrophoresis by PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) method. Results showed that yew trees have rather well genetic variation in Afratakhte location. For quantitative activity, significant differences were observed between branch and leaf organs at 95% level of probability, so that enzyme activity  in branch (0.066) was more than that of leaf (0.020). Also the number of branch isoenzymatical bands (12 bands) was more than that of leaf (6 bands). Results of cluster analysis also showed more grouping in branch (12 groups) than leaf (8 groups). Therefore, branch organ, comparing with leaf organ has higher ability for separation and grouping in considering of genetic diversity of yew trees.