Identification of Vietnamese Native <i>Rhododendron</i> and <i>Enkianthus</i> Species of <i>Ericaceae</i> Family Based on Ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) Sequence

Abstract

Abstract. The genus Rhododendron and Enkianthus are belonging the Ericaceae family. In Vietnam there have diversified with 12 genera and about 90 species, of which more rhododendrons 30 species with beautiful flowers and two of Enkianthus species, widely distributed across the regions of the country. In this study, twelve Vietnamese native Rhododendron and Enkianthus species collected from Quang Ninh province were identified based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Comparison on sequencing among 12 Vietnamese native Rhododendron and Enkianthus with world's Rhododendron and Enkianthus species, we have determined the accurate same pattern the 5/10 species by recognition molecule forms such as DQ2, DQ5, DQ6, DQ7, DQ8 and five species as DQ1, DQ9, DQ10, DQ11 and DQ12 were determined in genus Rhododendron species. Two varieties of Enkianthus as DQ3 and DQ4 were identified as Enkianthus quinqueflorus. Although the species is still limited but the ITS sequences application revealed the strength of promotion of universal DNA barcode in the delimitation of species and subspecies level for plant group flowering.