Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of vandaceous orchids

Abstract

We investigated the application of the PCR-based fingerprinting technique, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), in orchids. The optimal AFLP patterns have been determined using primer combinations of EcoRI +4 and MseI +3 selective nucleotides. The same reproducible AFLP patterns were demonstrated in genomic DNAs isolated both from: (1) different orchid tissues, e.g. leaves and flowers; and (2) orchid flowers collected at different times. Genomic variations among different cultivars of vandaceous orchid hybrids were successfully determined by AFLP analysis. More than 10% of the AFLP bands were polymorphic DNA when siblings, derived from the same original crosses (two cultivars of Aranda Christine, five cultivars of Mokara Willie How), were used. Only 0.3–0.7% of the AFLP patterns were shown to be polymorphic when different cultivars, originating from somatic mutations during meristem culture for massive propagation, were used (two cultivars of Ar. Christine, four cultivars of M. Chark Kuan).