ABSTRACT
Objective To study the genetic diversity of rDNA ITS sequences in the root tuber of Polygonum multiflorum from various habitats and to analyze the utility of ITS sequences in molecular authenticating the genuineness, identifying the varieties of wild resources, and studying the germplasm resources. Methods Firstly, total DNA in the root tuber of P. multiflorum from various habitats was extracted. Secondly, the ITS sequence was amplified by PCR with universal primer of ITS and sequenced after purification. Results The total length of ITS sequence is 648 bp in the different samples, such as 5.8S, 18S, and 26S rDNA. The lengths of three fragments, ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2, are 195 bp, 164 bp, and 189 bp, respectively. There are seventeen variable sites among the sequences. Conclusion ITS Sequence can be used to authenticate the genuineness and identify the varieties of wild resources in the root tuber of P. multiflorum.