Seed surface architecture and random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles ofPaulownia fortunei, P-tomentosa and their hybrid

The surface patterns of winged seeds of Paulownia fortunei, P. tomentosa an d P.-fortunei x P. tomentosa were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The pattern of reticulation on the wings and seed coat of P. fortunei and the hybrid are comparable, while that on P. tomentosa is different and more elongated. Also, the wings are more extended at the oblong ends of the see ds in the former when compared to the wings of P. tomentosa. Distinct rando m amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) patterns were obtained for the three tax a and P. kawakamii with five different random oligonucleotide primers, sugg esting that the method can yield genetic markers for differentiating the ta xa. Also, Southern blot analyses of the RAPD products of the hybrid and the two parent species revealed shared (inherited) genetic polymorphisms. (C) 1999 Annals of Botany Company.