Coral Charm Research Articles

Field Production Methods for Season Extension of Peony ‘Coral Charm’

Paeonia lactiflora is a high-value crop with a temperature-dependent growth response that requires worldwide production to satisfy year-round demand. The objective of this study was to evaluate production and timing of ‘Coral Charm’ peony as a cool-season crop in the US Intermountain West. High-tunnel and field production were trialed in North Logan, UT, USA (lat. 41.77°N, long. 111.81°W; elevation, 1382 m) with the addition of low tunnels and soil heating methods to advance growth in 2019–21. Soil and air temperatures, as well as the date and quality of harvested stems, were measured. High tunnels yielded 15.7 ± 3.3 to 19.4 ± 2.1 stems/m2 [± standard error (SE)] and the high tunnel alone advanced initial harvest 21 to 34 days earlier than natural field conditions. The field yielded 16.1 ± 1.9 to 20.8 ± 1.6 stems/m2 and staggered production, resulting in a harvest duration up to 38 days across the high tunnel and field. The use of a low tunnel with soil heating advanced the initial harvest date compared with natural (i.e., unmanipulated) high-tunnel and field conditions by 3 and 7 days in 2019, 6 days in 2020, and 16 and 6 days in 2021 in the high tunnel and field, respectively. However, the quality decreased significantly under low tunnels with soil heating within high tunnels, compared with unheated plants, as a result of superoptimal temperatures and humidity that damaged buds and led to an increase in disease and insect pressure. Overall, increasing soil temperature advanced early stages of production when the meristem was below or near the soil surface, whereas increased air temperatures accelerated stem elongation and advanced time to flowering.

Transcriptome profiling provides preliminary molecular insights into adventitious bud formation in herbaceous peony (Paeonia × ‘Coral Charm’)

ABSTRACT Herbaceous peony is a kind of perennial herbaceous flowering plant and most varieties are highly dependent on ramet propagation. Some varieties, such as Paeonia × ‘Coral Charm’, have characteristics of relatively easy root cutting propagation. However, underlying adventitious buds of root cutting, the molecular mechanisms are still not completely understood. Here, we collected four key stages of adventitious bud formation of P. × ‘Coral Charm’ for transcriptome sequencing, and assembled and annotated 326,139 transcripts. By carrying out weighted gene co-expression network analysis, three functional modules and several biological and metabolic pathways related to the adventitious bud formation were identified. Finally, we determined six transcription factors in the MYB, HD-ZIP, C2H2 and bZIP gene family that may play a key role in the adventitious bud formation. These results provided insights into the adventitious bud formation of herbaceous peony, and laid a theoretical foundation for the rapid propagation of Paeonia.

Using the quantum yields of photosystem II and the rate of net photosynthesis to monitor high irradiance and temperature stress in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora)

Under a dynamic greenhouse climate control regime, temperature is adjusted to optimise plant physiological responses to prevailing irradiance levels; thus, both temperature and irradiance are used by the plant to maximise the rate of photosynthesis, assuming other factors are not limiting. The control regime may be optimised by monitoring plant responses, and may be promptly adjusted when plant performance is affected by extreme microclimatic conditions, such as high irradiance or temperature. To determine the stress indicators of plants based on their physiological responses, net photosynthesis (Pn) and four chlorophyll-a fluorescence parameters: maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII [Fv/Fm], electron transport rate [ETR], PSII operating efficiency [F′q/F′m], and non-photochemical quenching [NPQ] were assessed for potted chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) ‘Coral Charm’ under different temperature (20, 24, 28, 32, 36 °C) and daily light integrals (DLI; 11, 20, 31, and 43 mol m−2 created by a PAR of 171, 311, 485 and 667 μmol m−2 s−1 for 16 h). High irradiance (667 μmol m−2 s−1) combined with high temperature (>32 °C) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased Fv/Fm. Under high irradiance, the maximum Pn and ETR were reached at 24 °C. Increased irradiance decreased the PSII operating efficiency and increased NPQ, while both high irradiance and temperature had a significant effect on the PSII operating efficiency at temperatures >28 °C. Under high irradiance and temperature, changes in the NPQ determined the PSII operating efficiency, with no major change in the fraction of open PSII centres (qL) (indicating a QA redox state). We conclude that 1) chrysanthemum plants cope with excess irradiance by non-radiative dissipation or a reversible stress response, with the effect on the Pn and quantum yield of PSII remaining low until the temperature reaches 28 °C and 2) the integration of online measurements to monitor photosynthesis and PSII operating efficiency may be used to optimise dynamic greenhouse control regimes by detecting plant stress caused by extreme microclimatic conditions.

Spectral effects of supplementary lighting on the secondary metabolites in roses, chrysanthemums, and campanulas

To investigate the effect of the light spectrum on photosynthesis, growth, and secondary metabolites Rosa hybrida ‘Scarlet’, Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Coral Charm’, and Campanula portenschlagiana ‘BluOne’ were grown at 24/18°C day/night temperature under purpose-built LED arrays yielding approximately 200μmolm−2s−1 at plant height for 16h per day. The four light treatments were (1) 40% Blue/60% Red, (2) 20% Blue/80% Red, (3) 100% Red, and (4) 100% White (Control). The plant height was smallest in 40% Blue/60% Red in roses and chrysanthemums, while the biomass was smallest in the white control in roses and in 100% Red in chrysanthemums. The total biomass was unaffected by the spectrum in campanulas, while the leaf area was smallest in the 40% Blue/60% Red treatment. In 100% Red curled leaves and other morphological abnormalities were observed. Increasing the blue to red ratio increased the stomatal conductance though net photosynthesis was unaffected, indicating excess stomatal conductance in some treatments. With higher blue light ratio all phenolic acids and flavonoids increased. In view of the roles of these secondary metabolites as antioxidants, anti-pathogens, and light protectants, we hypothesize that blue light may predispose plants to better cope with stress.

EFFECTS OF LEDS ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND SECONDARY METABOLITES IN ROSES, CHRYSANTHEMUMS, AND CAMPANULAS

Integration of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in current growing systems receives full attention as they provide the opportunity to control light spectrum. In most cases, such research has focused on vegetables, whereas LED effects have not been extensively studied on ornamental plants. Potted Rosa hybrid 'Scarlet', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Coral Charm', and Campanula portenschlagiana 'BluOne' were grown under a purpose-built LED array from Philips yielding approximately 200 µmol m-2 s-1 for 16 hours per day. The temperature in the greenhouse compartments was set to 24/18°C day/night, respectively. The four light treatments were (1) 40% Blue 60% Red, (2) 20% Blue 80% Red, (3) 100% Red, and (4) 100% White (Control). The plants were grown to flowering (except chrysanthemums) and plant growth was recorded at the end of the experiment. During the experiment photosynthetic parameters were measured and later leaf samples were analyzed by HPLC. The objective of the study was to characterize the effect of LEDs on the photosynthesis and the secondary metabolism of these plants. The leaf area was greater with increasing amount of blue light, while pure red light increased leaf area, total fresh, and total dry weight in chrysanthemums. In roses, HPLC analysis has shown that flavonoid and phenolic compounds were higher with increasing blue light ratio. In general, the differences between treatments were limited; however, in the pure red light, curled leaves and other abnormalities were observed in all species.

High temperature stress monitoring and detection using chlorophyll a fluorescence and infrared thermography in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora)

Modern highly insulated greenhouses are more energy efficient than conventional types. Furthermore applying dynamic greenhouse climate control regimes will increase energy efficiency relatively more in modern structures. However, this combination may result in higher air and crop temperatures. Too high temperature affects the plant photosynthetic responses, resulting in a lower rate of photosynthesis. To predict and analyse physiological responses as stress indicators, two independent experiments were conducted, to detect the effect of high temperature on photosynthesis: analysing photosystem II (PSII) and stomatal conductance (gs). A combination of chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange measurements and infrared thermography was applied using Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) 'Coral Charm' as a model species. Increasing temperature had a highly significant effect on PSII when the temperature exceeded 38°C for a period of 7 (±1.8) days. High temperature decreased the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), the conformation term for primary photochemistry (Fv/Fo) and performance index (PI), as well as increased minimal fluorescence (Fo). However, at elevated CO2 of 1000μmolmol(-1) and with a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 800μmolm(-2)s(-1), net photosynthesis (Pn) reached its maximum at 35°C. The thermal index (IG), calculated from the leaf temperature and the temperature of a dry and wet reference leaf, showed a strong correlation with gs. We conclude that 1) chlorophyll a fluorescence and a combination of fluorescence parameters can be used as early stress indicators as well as to detect the temperature limit of PSII damage, and 2) the strong relation between gs and IG enables gs to be estimated non-invasively, which is an important first step in modelling leaf temperature to predict unfavourable growing conditions in a (dynamic) semi closed greenhouse.

Yield and shelf life of chrysanthemum in response to the silicon application

The potted chrysanthemum is one of the main flowers produced in protected cultivation. Silicon has promoted improvements both in quantitative and qualitative aspects when supplied to some ornamental species produced in these conditions. We evaluated the response of chrysanthemum cultivars grown in pots to the application of silicon. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Treatments were arranged in a 3x2 factorial scheme (three cultivars of chrysanthemum: Coral Charm, White Reagan and Indianapolis and two doses of silicon: 0 and 800 mg kg-1) with six replications, in an entirely randomized design. We evaluated the diameter of the flower buds and stems; length of the flower stems; height of the plants; dry matter production of roots, leaves, stems, inflorescence and shoots; total number of inflorescences; diameter of the most fully open inflorescences; Si content in the leaf tissue; and flowering cycle and shelf life. The White Reagan cultivar produced the greatest number of inflorescences (29.17) per pot and proved to be more precocious (85.83 days). There was no negative interaction between Si, Ca and K and no effect of silicon was shown on the production and shelf life of the chrysanthemum. There was an increase in the content of this element in the leaves with the application of potassium metasilicate.

Growth of Chrysanthemum in Response to Supplemental Light Provided by Irregular Light Breaks during the Night

Circadian rhythms are believed to be of great importance to plant growth and performance under fluctuating climate conditions. However, it is unclear how plants with a functioning circadian clock will respond to irregular light environments that disturb circadian-regulated parameters related to growth. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Coral Charm’) was exposed to supplemental light provided as irregular light breaks during the night, achieved by controlling the light based on forecasted solar irradiance and electricity prices. Growth, in terms of carbon gain, was linearly correlated to both daylength and daily light integral. This response was observed irrespective of the irregularity of the light breaks and despite circadian-regulated processes of carbohydrate metabolism, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf chlorophyll content being affected. Leaf expansion and stem elongation occurred at a faster rate in plants grown in short days with irregular light breaks during the night period compared with plants grown in a climate with a consecutive long light period, showing that low average light intensity promoted expansion of the photosynthetic area of the plants. These results are important to gain an understanding of the relationship between circadian-regulated processes and plant growth. These results will also contribute to increased energy savings in the use of supplemental light in greenhouse production.

End-of-day Lighting with Different Red/Far-red Ratios Using Light-emitting Diodes Affects Plant Growth of Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat. ‘Coral Charm’

Controlling plant height without the use of plant growth retardants is one of the goals in future production of potted plants. Light quality with a low red to far-red ratio (R:FR) increases plant height. In this trial, the effects of light quality [R:FR ratio of 0.4, 0.7, and 2.4 (R = 600–700 nm, FR = 700–800 nm)] at the end of day were investigated on potted chrysanthemums using growth chambers. After a 9-h photoperiod, the 30-min end-of-day lighting was provided by light-emitting diodes at low irradiance by maintaining either red = 1 μmol·m−2·s−1 (Rcon) or far-red = 1 μmol·m−2·s−1(FRcon). After 3 weeks of end-of-day lighting, plants given the lowest end-of-day ratios (R:FR of 0.4 or 0.7) were taller than control plants (R:FR = 2.4). For low ratios of R:FR (0.4), the actual intensities of R and FR did not affect plant height, whereas for higher ratios of R:FR (0.7 and 2.4), plant height was greater for FRcon than for Rcon. Leaf area of the lateral side shoots was lower for plants treated with an R:FR of 0.4 compared with those of controls. Dry weight, stem diameter, number of internodes, and number of lateral branches were unaffected by the end-of-day ratio.

A Daylight Climate Chamber for Testing Greenhouse Climate Control Strategies and Calculating Canopy Carbon Dioxide Exchange

A daylight climate chamber was designed with the aim of testing new greenhouse climate control strategies on a small scale. Precise control and measure ment of the chamber climate and long-term measurement of canopy carbon dioxide (CO2) exchan ge was possible. The software was capable of simulating a climate computer used in a full-scale greenhouse. The parameters controlled were air temperature, CO2 concentration, irradiance, air flow, and irrigation. The chamber was equipped with a range of sensors measuring the climate in the air of the chamber and in the plant canopy. A chamber perfor mance experiment with chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum grandiflorum `Coral Charm') plants grown in perlite was carried out over the course of 3 weeks. Five air temperature treatments at a day length of 13 hours were carried out, all with the same 24-hour mean temperature of 20 °C, but different day temperatures (18.0 to 25.1 °C) and night temperatures (14.0 to 22.4 °C). Rate of canopy CO2 exchange in the chambers was calculated. In the range of day temperatures used, rates of canopy photosynthesis were almost equal. The results showed that leaf area and plant dry weight after 3 weeks were not significantly different among temperature treatments, which is promising for further investigations of how climate control can be used to decrease energy consumption in greenhouse production.

Concentração de macronutrientes em crisântemo de vaso, cultivado sob diferentes relações NO3-/NH4+

In order to study the effects of different ratios of NO3-/NH+4 on the development and mineral composition of chrysanthemum plants, an experiment was carried out in a greenhouse. Five plants in each vase containing 0.75 dm3 of substrate (soil: sand: coffee bean skin: manure at volumetric proportion of 2:0.5:1:1) were used. The treatments were arranged in complete randomized blocks in a factorial scheme (5x5) with three replications. There were five varieties (Puritan, Indianápolis, Coral Charm, Festival Time, Fine Time) and five ratios of NO3-/NH+4 (100/0, 75/25; 50/50; 25/75, 0/100) totalizing 75 vases. The ratios NO3-/NH+4 affected the dry weight accumulation in the aerial portion of the plants. There were differences among the varieties regarding the tolerance to presence of NH4+ in the irrigation solution. The Fine Time was the most sensitive, supporting only 25% of NH4+ in the solution. When 50/50 ratio was used the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S were adequate for the development of the plants.

Light acclimation maintains the redox state of the PS II electron acceptor Q(A) within a narrow range over a broad range of light intensities.

Chrysanthemum inducum-hybrid 'Coral Charm', Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. 'Cairo Red' and Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel 'Petit' were grown in natural light in a greenhouse at three levels of irradiance using permanent shade screens. Light acclimation of photosynthesis was characterized using modulated chlorophyll a fluorescence of intact leaves. A close correlation was found between the degree of reduction of the primary electron acceptor Q(A) of Photosystem II (PS II) approximated as the fluorescence parameter 1-q(P), and light acclimation. The action range of 1-q(P) was 0-0.4 from darkness to full irradiance around noon, within the respective light treatments in the greenhouse, indicating that most PS II reaction centres were kept open. In general, the index for electron transport (ETR) measured by chlorophyll fluorescence was higher for high-light (HL) than intermediate-(IL) and low-light (LL) grown plants. However, HL Chrysanthemum showed 40% higher ETR than HL Hibiscus at light saturation, despite identical redox states of Q(A). The light acclimation of the non-radiative dissipation of excess energy in the antenna, NPQ, varied considerably between the species. However, when normalized against q(P), a strong negative correlation was found between thermal dissipation and ETR measured by chlorophyll fluorescence. To be able to accommodate a high flux of electrons through PS II, the plants with the highest light-saturated ETR had the lowest NPQ/q(P). The possibility of using chlorophyll fluorescence for quantification of the energy balance between energy input and utilization in PS II in intact leaves is discussed.

The effect of night temperature on chrysanthemum flowering: heat-tolerant versus heat-sensitive cultivars

The effect of night temperature on the flowering of heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive cultivars of potted chrysanthemum ( Chrysanthemum xgrandiflorum) was examined in four experiments over a period of 4 years. Temperature reductions were imposed only while the plants were under black cloth using a combination of air-conditioning and under-cloth ventilation. The two heat-sensitive cultivars tested were ‘Yellow Mandalay’ and ‘Coral Charm’ and the two heat-tolerant cultivars were ‘Iridon’ and ‘Dark Bronze Charm’. Differences in time-to-flower (TTF) between heat tolerance classifications were less than anticipated. TTF was affected the most in ‘Iridon’, a heat-tolerant cultivar, decreasing by an average of 4.2 days/°C as mean diurnal temperatures (MT) decreased from about 26°C to about 23°C. TTF was affected the least in ‘Coral Charm’, a heat-sensitive cultivar, decreasing by an average of 2.8 days/°C over the same range. Inflorescence diameter, on the other hand, increased by as much as 9% in the two heat-sensitive cultivars but by only about 4% in the heat-tolerant cultivars. The results suggest that the heat-tolerant cultivars tested here may have been classified based on consistency of flower quality rather than TTF.

Tensiometric Monitoring of Container Substrate Moisture Status

The objective of these experiments was to evaluate the use of tensiometers to monitor substrate moisture tensions for Metro-Mix 500 and 2 pine bark: 1 Canadian peat: 1 sand (PBPS, by volume) used for container-grown azalea Rhododendron indicum L. `Mrs. G.G. Gerbing' and chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelez.) `Coral Charm.' Commercially available ceramic cups of two sizes, small [0.374 inch (0.95 cm) diameter and 1.125 inches (2.86 cm) long] and large [0.874 inch (2.22 cm) diameter and 3.0 inches (7.62 cm) long] were used to construct pressure transducer-equipped tensiometers. Data from these greenhouse experiments, indicate that either the small or large ceramic cup could be used to monitor substrate tensions at which water would be available to container-grown plants.

Genetic Signatures from Amplification Profiles Characterize DNA Mutation in Somatic and Radiation-induced Sports of Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev.) cultivars `Dark Charm', `Salmon Charm', `Coral Charm' and `Dark Bronze Charm' are either radiation-induced mutants or spontaneous sports of `Charm' and constitute a family or series of plants that primarily differ in flower color. These cultivars, which were difficult to differentiate genetically by DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF), were easily identified by using arbitrary signatures from amplification profiles (ASAP). Genomic DNA was first amplified with three standard octamer arbitrary primers, all of which produced monomorphic profiles. Products from each of these DNA fingerprints were subsequently reamplified using four minihairpin decamer primers. The 12 primer combinations produced signatures containing ≈37% polymorphic character loci, which were used to estimate genetic relationships between cultivars. Forty-six (32%) unique amplification products were associated with individual cultivars. The number of ASAP polymorphisms detected provided an estimate of the mutation rate in the mutant cultivars, ranging from 0.03% to 1.6% of nucleotide changes within an average of 18 kb of arbitrary amplified DAF sequence. The ASAP technique permits the clear genetic identification of somatic mutants and radiation-induced sports that are genetically highly homogeneous and should facilitate marker assisted breeding and protection of plant breeders rights of varieties or cultivars.

Response to Phosphorus Availability during Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of Chrysanthemum: I. Whole-plant Carbon Dioxide Exchange

Whole-plant CO2 exchange and root-shoot interactions during transition from vegetative to reproductive growth of `Coral Charm' chrysanthemum (Dendranthema ×grandiflorum Ramat.) were investigated over a range of P concentrations considered to be deficient (1 μM), adequate (100 μM), or high (5 mM). Transition from vegetative to reproductive growth resulted in reduced photosynthate production, root respiration, biomass accumulation, and starch accumulation in leaves. Root respiration was low in high-P plants regardless of growth stage. Reduced root respiration may indicate changes in source-sink relationships during the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, making roots less competitive sinks than developing flowers. Plant responses to P deficiency included decreased CO2 assimilation and shoot biomass accumulation but increased root respiration, root:shoot ratio, specific leaf mass (SLM), and starch accumulation in leaves. Reduced root respiration activity in high-P plants was presumably due to differences in root architecture resulting in proportionately fewer root apices in high P. Daily CO2 assimilation, shoot biomass, SLM, and root:shoot ratio were similar in plants grown with adequate-P and high-P availability, although plant P accumulation increased with P availability. Our results suggest that the excessive P fertilization often used in ornamental production systems is detrimental to root activity.

Response to Phosphorus Availability during Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of Chrysanthemum: II. Biomass and Phosphorus Dynamics

Whole-plant biomass accumulation, P dynamics, and root-shoot interactions during transition from vegetative to reproductive growth of `Coral Charm' chrysanthemum (Dendranthema ×grandiflorum Ramat.) (Zander, 1993) were investigated over a range of P concentrations considered to be deficient (1 μm), adequate (100 μm), and high (5 mm). In nondeficient plants, transition from vegetative to reproductive growth resulted in reduced relative growth rate and root and shoot biomass accumulation. Reproductive plants showed a higher commitment of the whole plant to the production of developing flowers than to leaves and roots, whereas, in vegetative plants, the highest component production rate was in leaves. This indicates changes in the source-sink relationships during transition from vegetative growth making developing flowers stronger sinks for photoassimilates than roots. Phosphorus allocated to developing flowers was predominantly lost from leaves. Phosphorus-deficient plants showed characteristic P-deficiency symptoms and favored root growth over shoot growth regardless of growth stage. Phosphorus availability in nondeficient plants affected root growth more than shoot growth. No substantial differences in shoot biomass production, relative growth rate, and CO2 assimilation rates were observed in adequate-P and high-P plants. However, the root component production rate, root to shoot ratio, root length ratio, specific root length, specific root area, root mass to leaf area ratio, and root respiration increased in adequate-P plants compared with high-P plants, which indicates that high root activity was maintained without affecting shoot biomass in buffered P conditions. Our results suggest that the high P concentrations used in many horticultural systems may have no benefit in terms of shoot growth and may actually be detrimental to root growth.

Arbitrary Signatures From Amplification Profiles (ASAP) Distinguishes Somatic and Radiation Induced Mutations in the `Charm' Series of Chrysanthemum

Four chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) spontaneous and radiation-induced sports from the cultivar `Charm' and phenotypically differing only in flower color were individually characterized using arbitrary signatures from amplification profiles (ASAP). ASAP analysis is based on a two-step arbitrary primer amplification procedure that produces “fingerprints of fingerprints.” In the first step, `Charm', `Dark Charm', `Dark Bronze Charm', `Salmon Charm', and `Coral Charm' were fingerprinted by DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF) with standard octamer arbitrary primers. Diluted products from three monomorphic fingerprints for each cultivar were subsequently reamplified using four minihairpin decamer primers. Each of the 12 ASAP profiles revealed about 30% polymorphic loci and some were used to uniquely identify cultivars and estimate genetic relationships. The ASAP technique permits identification of previously genetically indistinguishable plant material and should facilitate marker assisted breeding and protection of ownership rights.

Arbitrary Signatures from Amplification Profiles (ASAP) Distinguishes Somatic and Radiation-induced Mutations in the `Charm' Series of Chrysanthemum

Four chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) spontaneous and radiation-induced sports from the cultivar `Charm' and phenotypically differing only in flower color were individually characterized using arbitrary signatures from amplification profiles (ASAP). ASAP analysis is based on a two-step arbitrary primer amplification procedure that produces “fi ngerprints of fingerprints.” In the first step, `Charm', `Dark Charm', `Dark Bronze Charm', `Salmon Charm', and `Coral Charm' were fingerprinted by DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF) with standard octamer arbitrary primers. Diluted products from three monomorphic fingerprints for each cultivar were subsequently reamplified using four minihairpin decamer primers. Each of the 12 ASAP profiles revealed polymorphic loci that were used to uniquely identify cultivars and estimate genetic relationships. The ASAP technique permits identification of previously genetically indistinguishable plant material and should facilitate marker assisted breeding and protection of ownership rights.