Leaf Constants and RAPD Marker of Jasminum multiflorum Cultivars Existing in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plant identification is necessary for ensuring their efficacy and safety in quality control of herbal products. 

Methods: Four Jasminum multiflorum cultivars (Maluli, Maluli Sichomphu, Maluli Phum and Mali Ngachang) existing in Thailand was first studied for their leaf constants (stomatal number, stomatal index, epidermal cell number, epidermal cell area, palisade ratio, vein termination, vein islet number and trichome number) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprint.

Results: Leaf constants analysis demonstrated that trichome number was useful to identify these 4 J. multiflorum cultivars. According to the present of trichome on adaxial surface of leaf, J. multiflorum caltivar Maluli Phum can be distinguished. Among the rest 3 cultivars, the number of trichome on abaxial surface (17.49 ± 3.66) describes J. multiflorum cultivar Mali Ngachang.  J. multiflorum cultivar Maluli and Maluli Sichomphu can be characterized by vein termination number. Leaf constants evaluation is proved to be one of the methods capable in plant authentication even among cultivar. For RAPD analysis among 4 J. multiflorum cultivars, dice similarity index ranged from 0.2583-0.7922. The cluster diagram could be divided into two clusters.  Cluster I includes 2 cultivars of J. multiflorum cultivar Maluli Sichomphu and Maluli showing 0.7922 similarity index and cluster II includes 2 cultivars of J. multiflorum cultivar Maluli Phum and Mali Ngachang showing 0.4222 similarity index.

Conclusions:  Leaf constants (stomatal number, stomatal index, epidermal cell number, epidermal cell area, palisade ratio, vein termination, vein islet number and trichome number) and RAPD fingerprints are useful techniques for plant cultivar identification.