Correlation between ITS genotype and geographical distribution of Pogostemon cablin

To investigate the correlation between genotype and distribution of Pogostemon cablin by sequencing ITS₁ and ITS₂ genes, and provide molecular information for its germplasm evaluation, ITS₁ and ITS₂ genes of Pogostemon cablin from different localities were identified by PCR direct sequencing. The sequences of ITS₁ and ITS₂ genes were 424 bp and 380 bp in length, respectively. And nineteen base substitutions were observed in ITS₁ gene, and five in ITS₂ gene. The results showed a good correlation between genotype and distribution of Pogostemon cablin, and ITS gene sequencing could provide useful molecular information for germplasm evaluation of the plant species verification.