In this work, RAPD molecular markers were used to access the genetic variability and to study the inter and intraespecifc relationship in a group of 37 species, including 56 individuals. A total of 15 RAPD primers were selected for DNA amplification. From a total of 221 bands analyzed, 209 (95%) were polymorphics. The level of interespecifc genetic similarity ranged from 37% between Catasetum complanatum and Catasetum laminatum to 83% between Catasetum triodon and Catasetum uncatum. The intraspecifc genetic similarity varied 88% for the individuals of Catasetum triodon to 93% between the individuals of Catasetum atratum and Catasetum macrocarpum. These results would contribute to understand the genetic relationship in Catasetum, to define the strategies to establish a germplasm core collection for the genus and to provide support for breeding programs.
Catasetum; molecular marker; orchid; RAPD; genetic similarity
