Abstract
Positive cultivar identification is often difficult or impossible based solely on morphological traits. A technique ensuring reliable, repeatable, and unique cultivar identification is needed. The use of molecular markers offers such a technique, allowing assessment of fine levels of variation directly at the DNA level. In this study, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers were investigated for their utility to identify red maple cultivars. Three out of nineteen primers tested resulted in unique banding patterns for all the maples tested, including 9 red maple clones, 5 silver maple seedlings, and 4 purported interspecific cultivars. The red maple cultivars ‘Red Sunset’ and ‘October Glory’, which are almost indistinguishable morphologically as young trees, were clearly distinguished using RAPD markers. RAPD markers provide a consistently reliable technique for red maple cultivar identification.
Author notes
This research was supported by grants from the Horticultural Research Institute, 1250 I St. N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20005 and the J. Frank Schmidt Family Charitable Trust, P.O. Box 189, 9500 S.E. 327th Ave., Boring, OR 97009. This study would not have been possible without the generous assistance of Elizabeth LaRue.
2Graduate Research Assistant.
3Professor of Horticulture.
4Postdoctoral Scientist, Dept. of Botany. Present position and address: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agronomy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.
5Professor of Botany.
6Assistant Professor of Horticulture.