DNA amplification fingerprinting of chrysanthemum cultivars

The genetic distance of closely related cultivars of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) was assessed using DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF). Twenty-one cultivars of chrysanthemum included in the study were members of the following series: Anne (3), Blush (3), Boaldi (2), Charm (5), Davis (4), and Pomona (4). The genetic variability of these cultivars within and between series were evaluated using eleven arbitrary octamer primers. A few polymorphic loci were found that uniquely identified closely related cultivars within a series. In contrast, many polymorphisms were observed between members of different series. Genetic distances between cultivars were evaluated using UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Cluster Analysis Using Arithmetic Means) and Principal Coordinate Analysis. The average genetic distance between series was ten fold greater than between cultivars within a series. DNA from all cultivars belonging to a series were also bulked to generate DNA profiles containing unique amplified products for each series. Polymorphic loci that were generated by the DAF technique can possibly be utilized for patent protection, phylogenic studies and for identification of useful markers in breeding.