Evaluation of genetic diversity of poplar genotypes by RAPD and AP-PCR analysis

RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) and AP-PCR (arbitrarily primed PC R) were utilized to establish the genetic diversity of 19 Populus genotypes . A set of 40 primers of random sequence was tested, of which 35 exhibited polymorphism. Eighteen primers generated 162 easily detectable bands betwee n 250 and 2500 base pairs in size, sufficient to distinguish between the ge notypes. Similarity measures, cluster and multidimensional scaling analysis were performed to evaluate the RAPD and AP-PCR data. Our study demonstrate d that in most instances similarity in the RAPD and AP-PCR banding pat tern s reflected the relationship due to origin. Nineteen primers gave a species or hybrid-specific pattern. One primer generated a specific pattern in P. euramericana. Ten primers produced specific fragments in VIF (P. alba), 4 p rimers in KOR (P. pyramidialis x P. berolinensis) and 4 primers in UNA and RAS (P. trichocarpa x P. deltoides). The results of this study demonstrated that RAPD or AP-PCR can be used to distinguish between poplar genotypes.