A MULTICOPY DNA-SEQUENCE FROM MECONOPSIS-SIMPLICIFOLIA DISCRIMINATES BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF THIS ENDANGERED HIMALAYAN POPPY

Clones harboring multicopy DNA sequences were isolated on the basis of reverse genome hybridization to Meconopsis paniculata (Himalayan yell ow poppy) DNA from a Sau3A partial genomic plasmid library of M. simpl icifolia (Himalayan blue poppy), Restriction-endonuclease-dependent ge netic polymorphism between five species of Meconopsis, M. aculeata, M. paniculata, M. simplicifolia, M. sinuata and M, villosa, belonging to geographically isolated populations, was evident in genomic DNA filte r hybridizations when probed with a clone (pIMS10) isolated from this library. Pooled DNA from seedlings originating from plants of individu al populations of M. paniculata, M, simplicifolia and M. villosa gave similar band patterns, with respect to a given enzyme, suggesting intr a-population genetic homogeneity.