Discrimination of Xingren from the Seeds of Prunus Sect. Armeniaca Species (Rosaceae) by the Partial rpl16 Intron Sequences of cpDNA, and the Botanical Origin of Xingrens in Markets in Japan

Abstract

To discriminate the botanical origin of Xingrens derived from seeds of Prunus sect. Armeniaca species (P. armeniaca var. armeniaca, P. armeniaca var. ansu, P. sibirica, and P. mandshurica) using genetic information, we sequenced a partial region of rpl16 intron of cpDNA of these taxa, P. mume, and P. persica. Five genotypes were recognized from the total of 38 materials, all of the materials belonging to the same species had the same genotypes, and the species examined were discriminated from each other except P. armeniaca var. armeniaca and var. ansu. As a result, it was possible to discriminate reliably the botanical origin of Xingrens except the two varieties of P. armeniaca. Among 50 materials of Xingren from markets in Japan, 31 materials were identified with P. armeniaca var. armeniaca or var. ansu, 19 materials were identified with P. sibirica, and no materials had the other genotypes.