Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of the moth orchids, Phalaenopsis (Epidendroideae: Orchidaceae)

Abstract

The genetic distance and relationships of 149 accessions representing 46 species in the genus Phalaenopsis and four species in Paraphalaenopsis were studied using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The genus Paraphalaenopsis was used as an outgroup. A total of 20 random primers were screened and out of these, six random primers provided 123 polymorphic bands and zero monomorphic bands. Pairwise genetic distances between accessions were estimated according to Nei and Li (1979). Cluster analysis of data using the UPGMA algorithm placed the species in seven groups that are mostly congruent with those based on morphological characters erected by previous workers. As observed from the banding patterns, Ph. doweryensis, which is suspected to be a hybrid of Ph. gigantea and Ph. kunstleri or Ph. cochlearis, is not. RAPD markers can thus be successfully applied in this economically important group of orchids for the study of relationships and to distinguish taxa up to the specific level. © Springer 2005.