Assessment of Genetic Relationship among Rhynchostylis Species based on Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Markers

Abstract

IntroductionRhynchostylis orchids, belonging to the Orchidaceae family, are tropical plants that produce stunning waxy flowers arranged in long and elegant inflorescences. These plants are native to Southeast Asia, Myanmar, and Thailand and grow on trees as epiphytes. Rhynchostylis orchids are characterized by their long, dark green leaves and a distinctive scent that is common across the genus, regardless of the blooming season of district species.There are about 1,300 species and 180 to 190 different genera of orchids in Thailand including major tropical orchids such as Vanda, Rhynchostylis, Ascocentrum, and Aerides. These orchids make significant contributions to the Thai orchid industry, particularly as cut flowers and potted plants (Thammasiri 2016). Currently, 54% of the orchids produced in Thailand are exported, while the remaining 46% are consumed in the domestic