Development and molecular characterization of interspecific hybrid of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Hibiscus cannabinus</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">H. radiatus</i>

Abstract

Interspecific hybridization between kenaf (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:BN" lang="EN-US">Hibiscus cannabinus</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:BN" lang="EN-US">) and its wild relative monarch rosemallow (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">H. radiatus</i>) was attempted to aid gene flow from wild to cultivated kenaf. Efficiency of hybridization was higher using <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">H. cannabinus</i> as female parent. The hybrid exhibited morphological features intermediate of two parents with erect plant type. The red flower colour of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">H. radiatus</i> was expressed in the hybrid, although with reduced intensity. Molecular identity of the hybrid was confirmed using ISSR and SSR markers, which produced clear, reproducible bands. The polymorphism was 72% for ISSR marker and 83% for SSR marker. Genetic association of the hybrid, parents and related tetraploid species <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">H. acetosella </i>was studied using cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Both studies revealed closer association of the hybrid with tetraploid <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">H. acetosella</i>. The ISSR and SSR markers exhibited high amplification, polymorphism and resolving power.

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