Identification of the series-specific random amplified polymorphic DNA markers of Viola species

Although many Viola species are grown as ornamentals, no information on molecular markers is available for the classification and breeding of Viola. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was applied to identify series-specific molecular markers from the series Pinnatae, Chinensis, and Variegatae of Viola species in the subsection Patellares. We report eight RAPD markers which can be used to distinguish three different series of Viola species based on morphological characters. The eight RAPD markers we identified could be useful to classify Viola species and to assist the hybrid breeding of new varieties.