Analysis of Genetic Variability Using RAPD Markers in Paeonia spp. Grown in Korea

Abstract

The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of eleven herbaceous peonies grown in Korea were analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Twenty-four decamer RAPD primers were used in a comparative analysis of these Korean peony species. Of the 142 total RAPD fragments amplified, 124 (87.3%) were found to be polymorphic. The remaining 18 fragments were found to be monomorphic (12.7%) shared by individuals of all 11 peony species. Cluster analysis based on the presence or absence of bands was performed by Jaccard's similarity coefficient, based on Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Averages. Genetic similarity range was 0.39 to 0.90 with a mean of 0.64. This study offered a rapid and reliable method for the estimation of variability among different peony species which could be utilized by the breeders for further improvement of the local peony species. Also, the results propose that the RAPD marker technique is a useful tool for evaluation of genetic diversity and relationship amongst different peony species.