Genetic structure of phenotypic variants and somaclones of the genus Cereus (Cactaceae) as revealed by AFLP markers

摘要

The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique was used to investigate the genetic relationship among somaclonal variants and cultivated varieties of Cereus at the molecular level. Samples of tortuosus and monstruosus varieties, as well as cacti with typical erect shoots, monstruosus somaclones, and somaclones with erect shoots were analyzed using six AFLP primer pairs. The highest value for genetic diversity was detected among the monstruosus somaclones. High identity values were detected among erect, monstruosus, and tortuosus varieties as well as among erect and monstruosus somaclones. The AFLP markers revealed divergences in the in vitro cultures and in the natural environment (in vivo), and also illustrated the potential of the monstruosus and tortuosus varieties as well as the Cereus somaclones for generating new varieties of ornamental value.