The variation in two Bruguiera species in populations from different climat
ic and macrogeographic regions along the western to southeastern coastal ar
ea in Sri Lanka was studied using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA),
Intra- and interspecific variation was observed using 20 primers of the 45
primers screened. Some primers showed diagnostic banding patterns and allow
ed unambiguous differentiation between B. sexangula and B. gymnorhiza witho
ut any indication of hybrid individuals. RAPD markers were also used to pro
duce a similarity matrix among individuals of a species. A higher degree of
polymorphism was observed within populations of B. gymnorhiza in Rekawa, s
ituated in the climatically intermediate (between the wet and dry) zone, th
an within populations from the wet zone (Galle and Negombo). RAPD data anal
ysis did not reveal a clear relationship between genetic differences and ma
crogeographical variation along the western and southern coastal area in Sr
i Lanka, but indicated that a small population of B. sexangula was genetica
lly different. A more pronounced genetic difference at the population level
in B. sexangula than in B. gymnorhiza is suggested. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie
nce B.V. All rights reserved.