Low genetic polymorphism in natural populations of Crotalaria longipes

Natural genetic variation present in two populations of the critically enda ngered legume C longipes was revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA ( RAPD) analysis. Out of the 30 primers used to test the intra-specific genet ic polymorphism (between individuals from isolated populations) only 21 gav e amplification. Eight primers produced monomorphic bands and 13 primers pr oduced polymorphism. But the range of percent polymorphism was only 0 to 33 %. There was close similarity between individuals within and between popula tions. Cluster analysis based on Nei's indices did not reveal any populatio n differentiation and individuals of both populations clustered with each o ther. These results point to a very low genetic polymorphism in C. longipes populations.