Rapid identification of Japanese potato cultivars by RAPDs

Abstract

Thirty-six potato cultivars released in Japan and three introduced cultivars were characterized by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. The RAPD patterns were highly reproducible and identical using DNA samples obtained from different locations and tissues (leaf or sprout). Five decamer primers amplified 15 useful DNA segments which were polymorphic and shared among the cultivars. By the presence or absence of these RAPDs, all of the cultivars were clearly identified. Description of cultivar identities by RAPDs is suggested for cultivar registration and in germplasm maintenance program.