Genetic Diversity Analysis Based on Retrotransposon Microsatellite Amplification Polymorphisms (REMAP) for Distinguishing the Ginger Chemotype of Thua Thien Hue (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) from other Vietnamese Ginger Types

Abstract

The ginger of Thua Thien Hue ("Hue" for short) is considered by local people as a chemotype that is different from other Vietnamese ginger populations. However, there is no molecular evidence supporting this statement. Thus, our purpose is to find whether there is a genetic difference between Hue's ginger and other ginger types by using Retrotransposon Microsatellite Amplification Polymorphisms (REMAP). The results of our two cluster analyses (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA)) proved that they could separate Hue's ginger samples (in Thuy Bieu Ward, Hue City) from other populations. Therefore, according to these genetic analyses, Hue's ginger is markedly different from other ginger types. Based on our results, future studies could be conducted with more Vietnamese ginger DNA samples to provide stronger evidence about the unique genomic features of Hue's ginger.

Molecular characterization of a distinct ginger chemotype from Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam, and the application of PCR-based markers for identifying unknown ginger populations in the region using machine learning

“…ese specific markers played a pivotal role in distinguishing uy Bieu samples from others, as evident in the PCoA plots (Figure 3). Notably, this differentiation of uy Bieu samples aligns with the findings reported by An et al (2022). e presence of distinct genetic features in uy Bieu ginger is further substantiated by the identification of three substitution variants in the matK gene (Figure 4).…”

“…However, uncontrolled trading practices have resulted in the mixing of Hue's ginger with unidentified ginger types, leading to the erosion and dilution of the native variety. e initial attempt to differentiate Hue's ginger from unknown chemotypes was undertaken based on retrotransposon-based markers (An et al, 2022). Although the study successfully identified distinctive markers for Hue's ginger, the sample sizes from various geographical regions proved insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding the genetic attributes of Hue's ginger.…”