Abstract
The genetics of different musk rose (Rosa moshcata Herrmann) varieties were compared via randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. All varieties were found to be extremely similar, if not identical, except for "Bremo". Bremo's banding patterns for all primers deviate enough from the other observed patterns to suggest it should not be classified as a musk variety. Despite morphological differences, the data suggest that small genetic mutations, rather than major genomic alterations, account for variations among the other musk varieties. The results also give considerable evidence that the varieties have been propagated vegetatively, probably from a single original clone.
