Differentiation of Symphytum species using RAPD and seed fatty acid patterns

RAPD and fatty acid profiles, and alpha-tocoferol contents of the seeds of some Symphytum species were analyzed for their differentiation. Discriminative patterns were found in the examined species. Genotypic characteristics of three Symphytum species were experienced using 20 decamer RAPD primers. The majority of band positions varied between species. The total amplified products of 20 RAPD primers was 247 (average of 12.35 bands per primer), of which 189 bands were polymorphic, corresponding to nearly 76.1% genetic diversity. The number of bands for each RAPD primer varied from 8 (UBC320) to 18 (OPA7). The percent of polymorphic bands ranged from 45.4% (OPJ20) to 93.3% (OPA16). Major unsaturated fatty acids in the seeds were linoleic, gamma-linolenic and oleic acids; alpha-linolenic and eicosenoic acids exhibited lower levels. Variations in quantities and total ratios of fatty acid groups, and alpha-tocopherol contents were also observed between the species, and the developmental stages of the seeds. Significant differences were found for the whole series of fatty acids between species, in addition to the calculated ratios (p < 0.05). Differences were also significant for fatty acid traits between two developmental stages of the seeds of endemic S. pseudobulbosum (p < 0.05). In some morphological descriptors of the seeds, difference was found at a significant level (p < 0.05). Obtained data based on genetic and biochemical variations seem to be useful for molecular delimitation of Symphytum, in addition to selection of the genotypes expressing a high amount of GLA.