Taxonomic status of intraspecific germplasm resources of Vaccinium uliginosum based on chloroplast matK gene and SRAP molecular markers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Abundant germplasm resources of Vaccinium uliginosum are present in Changbai Mountain in China, which have considerable research and development value. They include the naturally distributed alpine V. uliginosum, the white-fruited V. uliginosum variety, and various fruit shapes dominated by ellipses. However, the relevant research is limited, and the taxonomic status of various specific germplasm resources has not been addressed. OBJECTIVE: The genetic relationship and taxonomic status of four species of V. uliginosum germplasm resources in Changbai Mountain were investigated. METHODS: The chloroplast matK gene and SRAP molecular markers of 94 V. uliginosum samples were analyzed. RESULTS: According to the analysis of chloroplast matK gene, all four types were divided into three branches. The results showed low variation among natural samples of V. uliginosum in China and a relationship between haplotype distribution and geographical distribution. The results of the SRAP molecular marker analysis divided the V. uliginosum population into five branches. The multiple individuals of the same trait were clustered together, and different partial samples were clustered together. CONCLUSIONS: Diploid alpine V. uliginosum and tetraploid V. uliginosum were identified as two subspecies of V. uliginosum. The elliptical fruit shapewas the variant of tetraploid round blue fruit V. uliginosum, and the white-fruited V. uliginosum variety is a variant.