Genetic diversity and classification of Nelumbo germplasm of different origins by RAPD and ISSR analysis

In this study, RAPD and ISSR markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic relationships among different germplasm of Nelumbo including 70 Chinese ornamental cultivars, 7 wild Thai genotypes, 2 Nelumbo lutea genotypes and 8 hybrids of Nelumbo nucifera and N. lutea. High genetic diversities of 96.4% and 91.2% respectively were detected in the Nelumbo accessions using RAPD and ISSR markers. A dendrogram based on both RAPD and ISSR clustering data indicated that: (1) the genotypes of N. nucifera and N. lutea from different geographical origins were clustered into different groups. This indicated significant genetic differentiation attributed to extensive periods of geographical isolation and lack of gene exchange; (2) the Thai wild genotypes were separated from Chinese genotypes. This indicated genetic divergence between germplasm from Southeast Asia and that from China. Geographical location appears to have affected genetic diversity due to adaptation of the plants to the different environments. A new Southeastern Asia Lotus category is suggested as an addition to the current lotus cultivars classification system; (3) data on three morphological traits (namely: plant size, petal shape and flower color), showed that only the data on plant size was consistent with the dendrogram constructed from molecular data. This finding suggests that using data on genetic relationships in combination with morphological characteristics would serve to improve the classification system of lotus cultivars currently in use. The finding of previously unknown germplasm in this study indicated the potential of RAPD and ISSR techniques in identifying and managing lotus resources. Both marker techniques are potentially useful in improving the current strategies in breeding and germplasm conservation to enhance the ornamental and economic value of lotus.