ARS | Publication request: Development of simple sequence repeat markers for Chionanthus retusus (Oleaceae) and effective discrimination of closely related taxa

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 15, 2010
Publication Date: November 11, 2010
Citation: Arias, R.S., Techen, N., Rinehart, T.A., Olsen, R.T., Kirkbride, J.H., Scheffler, B.E. 2010. Development of simple sequence repeat markers for Chionanthus retusus (Oleaceae) and effective discrimination of closely related taxa. HortScience. 46(1):23-29.

Interpretive Summary: We have developed molecular markers (identification tools using DNA) for four species related to Chionanthus retusus (common name: Old man’s beard). C. retusus and C. virginicus are used as ornamentals and as a source of natural products to treat inflammation, fever and other illnesses. These plants are also related to Olive and tropical ash. The identification tools we developed can be used by the industry of natural products for the correct identification and quality control of the materials used to manufacture their products. These tools could also be used by the olive and olive-oil industry, and for ecological studies of the ornamental Chionanthus and tropical ash.

Technical Abstract: We have developed 384 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for the identification of accessions of Chionanthus retusus and four related species. The bark of C. retusus and C. virginicus is used in the industry of natural product to treat inflammation, fever and other illnesses, and with the use of these markers the industry could test for the correct identification of the materials for manufacturing. The use of these markers could also benefit the nursery of ornamentals, allowing for the accurate identification of materials for propagation and crosses. Finally, since Chionanthus is part of the Oleaceae family, together with Olive and Tropical Ash, the availability of the markers we developed could be tested in these species for breeding purposes and ecological studies.