Genetic diversity in cultivated Osteospermum as revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

A collection of 39 Osteospermum clones and cultivated varieties of differen t origin were evaluated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis . All the clones were identified by 23 decamers selected from a set of 30. This is the first characterization by molecular markers of the genetic mate rial of Osteospermum. The level of genetic diversity among genotypes was as sayed and all the accessions tested were then classified into six groups by UPGMA cluster analysis; the clustering of genotypes using the RAPD data pr oved to be in accordance with their breeding group origin. RAPD analysis ca n therefore be a useful tool for evaluating genetic variability in other Os teospermum germplasm collections for breeding purposes and for protecting i ntellectual property rights of improved varieties.