Genetic Diversity of Paeonia rockii (Flare Tree Peony) Germplasm Accessions Revealed by Phenotypic Traits, EST-SSR Markers and Chloroplast DNA Sequences

Research Highlights: This study, based on the first collection of cultivated Paeonia rockii (flare tree peony, FTP) germplasm across the main distribution area by our breeding desires, comprehensively evaluates these accessions by using phenotypic traits, expressed sequence tag (EST)-simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and chloroplast DNA sequences (cpDNA). The results show that these accessions collected selectively by us can represent the genetic background information of FTP as a germplasm of tree crops. Background and Objectives: FTP has high cultural, ornamental and medicinal value traditionally, as well as recently presenting a significance as an emerging edible oil with high α-linolenic acid contents in the seeds. The objectives of this study are to reveal the characteristics of the genetic diversity of FTP, as well as to provide scientific suggestions for the utilization of tree peony breeding and the conservation of germplasm resource. Materials and Methods: Based on the phenotypic traits, EST-SSR markers and chloroplast DNA sequence variation, we studied the diversity of a newly established population of 282 FTP accessions that were collected and propagated by ourselves in our breeding project in recent years. Results: (1) There was an abundant variation in phenotype of the accessions, and the phenotypic variation was evenly distributed within the population, without significant hierarchical structure, (2) the EST-SSR data showed that these 282 accessions had relatively high genetic diversity, in which a total of 185 alleles were detected in 34 pairs of primers. The 282 accessions were divided into three distinct groups, and (3) the chloroplast DNA sequences (cpDNA) data indicated that these accessions had a higher genetic diversity than the population level and a lower genetic diversity than the species level of wild P. rockii, and the existing spatial genetic structure of these accessions can be divided into two branches. Conclusions: From the results of the three analyses, we found that these accessions can fully reflect the genetic background information of FTP germplasm resources, so their protection and utilization will be of great significance for genetic improvement of woody peonies.