Morphological characteristics and molecular markers of distyly in Primula obconica

Primula obconica is a perennial herbaceous flower of the Primulaceae that exhibits distinct heterostyly. Long(L)- and short(S)-styled morphs differ substantially in various ways, which can directly affect the genetic regulation of plants. We can improve genetic breeding by understanding their differences and the genetic mechanisms of heterostyly. This trial of P. obconica, which included material and morphological observation, cross-fertilization characteristics, and ISSR molecular markers, was carried out to analyze the difference in distyly comprehensively. The findings demonstrated that the pollen, anther and other floral characteristics of L- and S-morphs varied. The results of the breeding characteristics showed that there were different self-incompatible mechanisms between both morphs, the L-morphs showed partial fitness, while the S-morphs showed complete heteromorphic incompatibility. The ISSR analysis also revealed that 19 primer pairs were polymorphic, clearly banded, and stable, showing significant differences in molecular markers for different morphs. Our study reveals the differences between the morphs of the Primula, which can provide a basis for genetic evolution and breeding work on heterostyly.