Variability of Helianthus maximiliani Schrader revealed by RAPD analysis

Abstract

Intraspecies variability of Helianthus maximiliani, as well as its relations with two other wild species and cultivated sunflower, was determined using RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) analysis. Ten 10-base primers were used for the amplification. RAPD products were analysed by electrophoresis in 1.6% agarose gel. Significant variability within H. maximiliani was revealed. Considerable difference of several accessions compared with the rest raised the question about their taxonomic status. Dendrograms obtained on the basis of primers C15 and E05, which were in accordance with existing taxonomy, confirmed the usefulness of RAPD analysis for taxonomic studies.