The Genetic Diversity and Similarities Among Kengyilia Species Based on Random Amplified Microsatellite Polymorphism (RAMP)

Abstract

The genetic diversity and similarities among 32 Kengyilia accessions, distributed to 14 species and one variety were analyzed by using random amplified microsatellite polymorphism (RAMP) markers. Of the 160 RAMP primer combinations tested, 40 (25%) produced polymorphic and clear bands. A total of 264 bands were produced by 40 primer combinations, among which 231 out of 264 bands (87.5%) were polymorphic. Two to 11 polymorphic bands could be amplified from each primer combination, with an average of 5.8 bands. The data of 264 bands were used for RAMP assay. By NTSYS-pc program, genetic similarity coefficients were generated and dendrogram was constructed using UPGMA. The genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 0.477 to 0.965 with the mean of 0.714. The results showed as follows: (1) distinct genetic differences were present among the different species; (2) the different accessions in a species were clustered together, respectively, which had larger genetic similarities and closer relations; (3) the species with similar morphological characters and the species from the same areas or neighboring geographical regions were clustered together; (4) the lowest genetic similarity was found between K. hirsuta (PI531618) and K. laxiflora (PI531631), while the highest genetic similarity was observed between K. hirsuta (Y2364) and K. hirsuta (Y2368); (5) RAMP results are basically comparable with those obtained from studies on morphology and cytology. It is a useful method for analysis of the genetic diversity and similarities in Kengyilia.