Analysis Of Genetic Diversity In Hazel (Corylus) By RAPD Markers

Hazel (corylus) is an important horticultural plant belonging to Corylus, Betulaceae. During the course of evolution and breeding, many varieties were developed. The study on genetic diversity of corylus would benefit the germ collection, identification, genetic novation and effective utilization of corylus. Molecular markers can detect the genetic diversity at DNA level and become a powerful tool to study genetic diversity. In our research, the technique of separation and purification of genome DNA of Corylus was optimized, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) reaction system for analysis of corylus DNA was established. RAPD analysis was carried out to measure the genetic diversity of 48 accessions of Corylus (include 4 species), which were collected from Europe, America and Northern China. Twenty-six polymorphic primers were screened out of 150 random primers and 142 bands were distinguishable and reproducible. Of them, 130 bands (91.5%) were polymorphic. The 48 accessions were divided into 5 groups according to the cluster analysis. Corylus avelana and C. heterophylla belong to the first group. The second group includes 30 varieties that are all hybrid Corylus except the 39(T81-8), which is a C. heterophylla. The third group includes 5 varieties: 22(G-80-0452),29(A-81-3),30(K-83-1),34(A-84-206),45(K-83-5) that are all C. heterophylla. The fourth group includes 10 varieties: 1(43),2(Royal,4(50),12(TDGL) , 3(TDG) , 5(Barcelona) , 10(MONTONBELLO) , 7(GRIFOLL) ,8(GIANT),9(SIVIRI). And the varieties in the last group are all hybrid Corylus. The maximal and minimum similarity correlations between 48 Corylus varieties are 0.88 and 0.46, respectively. The arveage similarity correlations of C. heterophylla and C. avellana are 0.75 and 0.74, respectively. However, the similarity correlations between C. heterophylla varieties and C. avellana varieties are all close to 0.53. Our results are consistent with the traditional taxonomy and provide more valuable information for Corylus accessions belonging to the same species.