ARS | Publication request: What secrets lurk in peony DNA?

Submitted to: Paeonia Nordica
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: August 15, 2011
Publication Date: February 27, 2012
Repository URL: http://www.peony.ca/e_html/articles/PeonyDNA.htm
Citation: Gilmore, B.S., Hummer, K.E., Bassil, N.V. 2012. What secrets lurk in peony DNA?. Paeonia Nordica. www.peony.ca/e_html/articles/PeonyDNA.htm.

Interpretive Summary: This newsletter report describes peony research being done in Corvallis, Oregon, and Palmer, Alaska. The scientists at USDA ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository- Corvallis and the USDA ARS Arctic and Subarctic Plant Gene Bank- Palmer have begun to collect and research peonies. These scientists were able to isolate DNA from dormant buds as well as leaves of peonies. They are working with other scientists to sequence DNA from peony species. They are using the sequences to determine DNA markers. These markers will be used to prepare molecular fingerprints for distinguishing peony genotypes. If successful, the fingerprints could be used to determine differences in cultivars and species. The markers could also be used in determining ancestors and relationships between peony species.

Technical Abstract: The scientists at USDA ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository and the USDA ARS Arctic and Subarctic Plant Gene Bank have begun to collect and research peonies (Paeonia L). These scientists were able to isolate DNA from dormant buds as well as leaves of peonies. They are working with other scientists to sequence DNA from peony species. They are using the sequences to determine DNA markers. These markers will be used to prepare molecular fingerprints for distinguishing peony genotypes. If successful, the fingerprints could be used to determine differences in cultivars and species. The markers could also be used in phylogeny determination.