Sequence-Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) appears as a useful technique
for genetic purity testing and variety discrimination, applicable to species in which some other
techniques have failed. In particular, this technique is very attractive with species in which RAPD
results were not consistent. The RAPD polymorphic bands were cloned, sequenced and from the
sequence information, primers pairs for normal PCR were developed. Since the probability of
obtaining successful SCAR primers from RAPD polymorphic bands was about 50%, a larger
number of RAPD polymorphic bands are needed to develop sufficient SCAR primers for varietal
discrimination in vinca. In addition, the efficiency of the SCAR technique is strongly affected by
the quality of DNA extracted from seeds. The SCAR banding patterns obtained from vinca seed
were consistent and repeatable making the results reliable for genetic purity testing and variety
discrimination. The SCAR technique is simple, fast, relatively inexpensive and allows the use of
DNA extracted from dry seeds, which is very important in a seed-quality evaluating program