Identification and Genetic Relationships of Diospyros kaki Thunb.and Related Species Using ISTR Analysis

Inverse sequence-tagged repeat (ISTR) molecular marker was employed to investigate genetic relationships of 32 genotypes representative of 7 species including Diospyros kaki Thunb., D. lotus L., D. glaucifolia Metc., D. oleifera Cheng., Jinzaoshi (D. sp.), D. rhombifolia Hemsl. and D. virginiana L. ISTR showed good discriminatory power between genotypes, with exception of one bud mutation and its original variety. The clustering results derived from ISTR molecular data was in good agreement with the previous studies or known genetic relationships of some genotypes, indicating that ISTR could be applied for the genus of Diospyros. Both unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) and principal coordinated analysis (PCOA) results separated Japanese persimmon into different groups, indicating their different genetic background. The new found several Chinese native PCNA varieties showed abundant genetic diversity based on ISTR analysis, as well as with Japanese native PCNA types, suggesting that they may be potential and precious breeding materials. In summary, ISTR would be a potential efficient tool for further germplasm differentiation, genetic diversity assessment and phylogenetic analysis in Diospyros.