Abstract: The RAPD ( random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers generated by 22 20-ruer primers, discriminated 7 wild Dendraathema species, 14 cultivars and 5 interspecific hybrids by banding profiles. Of 224 bands observed, 34 bands (15%) were polymorphic. Cluster analysis based on UPGMA method indicated that: of 7 wild species, D. indicum, D. vestitum and D. nankingense were closest to the cultivated groups while D. zawadskii was most distinct. Genetic distances between the former three species and cuhivars were less than 0.40 but those between D. zawadskii and cuhivars were more than 0.50. According to the RAPD analysis and previous research, the authors discussed the origin of Chinese cultivated chrysanthemum and proposed that the cuhivars of this genus may derive from D. indicum, D. vestitum and D. nankingense. The results have provided basic research data for study on the origin of Chinese cultivated chrysanthemum.

Key words: RAPD analysis, UPGMA method, Origin of chrysanthemum