RAPD analysis of genome variability of planted ginseng, Panax ginseng

Genome variability of 23 ginseng plants (Panax ginseng) grown in culture in Primorskii Krai was studied by RAPD method. Eleven arbitrary chosen primer s were used to analyze 138 loci of DNA samples, 17 of which appeared to be polymorphic. The OPD-11-1000 fragment was found to be a RAPD marker allowin g plants to be differentiated according to their morphotype. Using five pri mers, it was demonstrated that the genetic polymorphism of the cultivated p lants is lower than that in nature (7.6% and 10.6%, respectively). Dendrogr ams of genetic relatedness are in accord with genetic differences between i ndividuals of planted P. ginseng belonging to different morphotypes, and de monstrate close relatedness of one of the morphotypes to wild plants. This morphotype could be recommended for reintroduction into natural habitats.