title: Azalea phylogeny reconstructed by means of molecular techniques.
abstract: Plants belonging to the Rhododendron subgenera Pentanthera (deciduous) and Tsutsusi and Azaleastrum (evergreen) are called azaleas. Concerning their mutual phylogenetic positions, the Pentanthera subgenus is closer to evergreen rhododendrons (subgenera Rhododendron and Hymenanthes) than to the Tsutsusi subgenus. Both azalea types are important ornamentals with a long breeding tradition. Different hybrid groups are often named after the supposed principal ancestor species. Molecular techniques for phylogenetic and kinship research have been evaluated to a great extent. First, some studies using comparative gene sequencing are presented; this approach was then widened to the use of molecular markers to reveal more detailed genetic relationships. Finally, the use of candidate genes as functional markers for the assessment of genetic diversity is presented. This opens new research lines to the genetic mapping of plant traits and azalea genomics.
authors.affiliation: Plant Unit, Applied Genetics and Breeding, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Melle, Belgium.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Keyser
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Scariot
authors.forename: Nobuo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Handa
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: De Riek
mesh_terms: D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D017343:Genes, Plant; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D014644:Genetic Variation; D010802:Phylogeny; D029793:Rhododendron / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers