GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS OF PAPHIOPEDILUM MALIPOENSE AND PAPHIOPEDILUM MICRANTHUM BASED ON SSR MOLECULAR MARKERS

Paphiopedilum plants are over -collected due to their attractive features and habitat destruction threatens wild populations.This study focused on the first -class protected Paphiopedilum malipoense and second -class protected Paphiopedilum micranthum, using SSR technology to study genetic diversity and structure for germplasm protection.Results showed Paphiopedilum malipoense had low genetic diversity, while Paphiopedilum micranthum had high genetic diversity with most variation within individuals.Clustering was not strictly by location.Based on these, in -situ, ex -situ protection, regression conservation and artificial breeding are recommended to protect resources and raise public awareness.