Development of the sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker for distinction of intergeneric hybrids between Argyranthemum frutescens (L.) Sch. Bip. and Rhodanthemum gayanum (Cross. & Durieu) B.H. Wilcox, K. Bremer & Humphries.

Distinction of intergeneric hybrids between Argyranthemum frutescens (L.) Sch. Bip. and Rhodanthemum gayanum (Cross. & Durieu) B.H. Wilcox, K. Bremer & Humphries is important for the development of new intergeneric hybrids. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and cost-effective DNA marker to distinguish between a large number of putative hybrids of A. frutescens × R. gayanum during primary selection. We designed sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers based on the genetic sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for A. frutescens and R. gayanum. Specific SCAR markers for A. frutescens amplified bands in A. frutescens and hybrids but not in R. gayanum. In contrast, specific SCAR markers for R. gayanum amplified bands in R. gayanum and hybrids but not in A. frutescens. Additionally, we confirmed the reproducibility of the SCAR marker using 31 cultivars. The findings demonstrated that these SCAR markers could be used to distinguish putative hybrids between A. frutescens and R. gayanum. This is the first report of the development of a SCAR marker to facilitate distinction of these hybrids.