ISOZYME MARKERS AND GENETIC-VARIABILITY IN 3 SPECIES OF CENTROSEMA (LEGUMINOSAE)

Isozyme patterns and their genetic control in three Centrosema species are described. Seven isozymatic systems (aspartate aminotransferase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, phosphoglucomutase, anodal peroxidase, malate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase) were studied in 18 populations and several breeding li nes of C. actifolium, C. brasilianum and C. pubescens, using starch ge l electrophoresis techniques. All systems, except glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, are described for the first time in these species. A total of 17 isozyme loci were scored; this represents the largest set of Men delian loci known up to now in Centrosema species. Isozyme polymorphis m and variability within and between populations and species were rela tively high and allowed discrimination among species.