Molecular evaluation of a collection of rose species and cultivars by AFLP, ITS, rbcL and matK

Depending on the taxonomist, between 150 and 300 rose species are distinguished, only 10 to 20 of these contributed to the most of more than 20000 modern cultivars. AFLP analysis on a collection of 88 rose species and rose cultivars showed a clear molecular distinction between the species and cultivar groups in the tested plants. Other molecular techniques, based on the sequences of evolutive markers (nrITS, rbcL and matK) revealed more detailed information on the phylogenetic relationships between rose cultivars and rose species. A focus was set towards these species that contributed to the modern rose cultivars e.g. Rosa multiflora, R. wichuraiana and R. chinensis. For the sequencing of the ITS, matK and rbcL regions, primers were developed and used in the analysis. The use of rbcL revealed few polymorphisms in roses. ITS and matK regions gave polymorphisms useful for phylogenetic work in roses.