Abstract:RAPD technology was used to analyze the genetic variations and genetic structure in four geographical populations of Scapharea broughtonii in Korea and China. 171 loci were detected in the four populations through 25 random primers, and 167 of these loci were polymorphic. The results indicated that the genetic diversity of the four populations was rich. The Shannon's index ranged from 0.460±0.232 to 0.491±0.214, and the Nei's genetic diversity index ranged from 0.308±0.171 to 0.331±0.199. Gst values showed that there are significant genetic differentiation between Korean population and the three Chinese populations. The UPGMA dendrogram of four S. broughtonii populations based on Nei's (1972) genetic distance showed that Huangdao and Qiansandao populations clustered first, then clustered with the Penglai population, before further clustered with the Korean population. The UPGMA dendrogram gave a clear division between the Korean and Chinese populations. The information of the genetic variation and differentiation among four S. broughtonii geographical populations can be useful for conservation of S. broughtonii stocks and future genetic improvement by selective breeding.
