Using DNA barcodes for genetic relationship and identification of some Actinidia spp. species

Abstract

The study was conducted on 20 Kiwi samples belonging to the genus Actinidia, including 18 imported samples and 2 samples collected from the natural environment in Vietnam. The origins and genetic relationships among the collected samples were analysed and evaluated based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences. The amplification rates of interested sequences of all 20 samples ranged from 75 to 95%, and the amplicons were successfully sequenced. Results from analysing genetic relationships among collected samples and reference ones on GenBank for each sequence of rbcL gene, matK gene, and Internal Transcript Spacer (ITS) region showed that there is genetic classification among collected samples; genetic origins of these genus samples might be from 2-3 different sources. Additionally, the combination of rbcL gene, matK gene, and ITS region showed the phylogenetic and genetic diversity among 14 tested samples with three clear distinction clusters. The initial results of using markers of chloroplast and nuclear DNA barcode markers (rbcL, matK, and ITS) showed a certain effect in the identification of origins at the species level, thenceforth led to the potentiality of gene resources converse and sustainably exploit towards these genera.