ARS | Publication request: DNA Fingerprinting to Improve Breeding of New Hydrangea macrohylla Cultivars

Submitted to: Ornamental Workshop on Diseases and Insects
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 13, 2008
Publication Date: November 13, 2008
Citation: Rinehart, T.A. 2008. DNA Fingerprinting to Improve Breeding of New Hydrangea macrohylla Cultivars. Ornamental Workshop on Diseases and Insects. vol 1 pg 3.

Technical Abstract: We recently established a molecular key for Hydrangea species and used it to resolve the taxonomy of wild-collected germplasm. We used the same SSR markers to verify interspecific hybridization within Hydrangea and confirm intergeneric hybrids between Dichroa and Hydrangea. We have also used microsatellite markers to determine the parentage of new H. macrophylla cultivars such as 'Midnight Duchess', 'Blushing Bride' and 'Queen of Pearls', to identify mislabeled cultivars, to confirm the renaming of cultivars, and to demonstrate that some similar-looking cultivars are actually genetically unique. The same technology can be applied to "true to name" guarantees, plant labeling disputes, and be used to enhance plant patent applications.