PCR‐RFLP and DAMD‐PCR genotyping for Salvia species

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUND: Identification of genotypes in Salvia is complicated owing to the morphological similarity and common occurrence of natural hybridisation within Salvia species. Species‐ and genotype‐specific DNA markers are very useful for plant identification, breeding and preservation programmes and can also provide a general overview on the prediction of plant essential oil yield.RESULTS: Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) was used for identification of species‐specific chloroplast and mitochondrial organelle DNA markers, and directed amplification of minisatellite DNA polymerase chain reaction (DAMD‐PCR) was used for genotyping of plant materials. Application of PCR‐RFLP resulted in species‐specific DNA markers, and use of DAMD‐PCR resulted in reproducible DNA patterns that are useful in Salvia genetic studies. Multivariate cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis indicated that there were relationships between DNA marker patterns and essential oil yields at the species level.CONCLUSION: Results showed that genetic variations in Salvia are wide, and DNA patterns of relatedness among plant species appeared to correlate with essential oil yields. Further studies are required to confirm the application of PCR‐RFLP and DAMD‐PCR markers for selection of Salvia species with higher essential oil yield. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry