Genetic diversity of <i>Rhododendron dauricum</i> based on morphological traits and SSR markers.

ABSTRACT: Rhododendron dauricum L. is one of the most important ornamental plants in Northeast China for its beautiful flowers. Wild R. dauricum populations are mainly distributed in Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains in Heilongjiang, China. The diversity of R. dauricum germplasm resources in these areas has not been determined and it can be dynamic due to increasing climate change and human activities, which poses a challenge to effective conservation efforts. To promote genetic diversity conservation and develop new R. dauricum varieties, we performed a systematic morphological and molecular evaluation of R. dauricum populations in the in 13 populations. The results showed significant inter- and intra-population variations. Clustering revealed 3 major groups. I

SUBMITTER: Wang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11839661 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature