Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis for the verification of hybridity in interspecific crosses of Alstroemeria

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to verify interspecific hybridization in Alstroemeria. Five putative interspecific hybrids and their parents were analysed by means of four preselected RAPD primers. The putative parentage was confirmed in four hybrids and was excluded in one that showed completely different RAPD patterns from its putative parents and a different phenotype. Our results demonstrated that this molecular technique is a powerful tool for verifying hybridity rapidly if the putative parents are given. This tool will allow screening of small immature seedlings for verification of hybridity and should improve the efficiency of breeding programmes.