Studies on the suitability of RAPD and ISTR for identification of palm species (Arecaceae)

66 genotypes of species in 50 palm genera were analysed by RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) and ISTR (inverse-sequence tagged repeat analysis). Significant numbers of polymorphic DNA fragments were generated by both techniques, which allowed identification of all individuals. Genetic similarities between the genotypes were established by cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficients. Individuals of the same genus always formed clusters, and most of the related species formed subclusters. The systematics of individuals as established by morphological, cytological and ecological considerations, however, could only be partially confirmed by the molecular studies. For the palm species considered in this study, RAPD and ISTR represent a powerful tool for genotype identification and differentiation, but they may not be useful for analysis of genetic relationships above the genus level.