Abstract

Distribution of genetic variation between populations of Lilium albanicum andLilium chalcedonicum was investigated using RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) profiles. Plants for the analysis were collected from four different populations, containing 33 individuals. Eleven primers yielded 88 polymorphic bands. UPGMA clustering and principle coordinate analysis indicated a clear separation between the populations of the two species and all the analyzed individuals clustered in three groups, one comprising L. chalcedonicum and the other two groups encompassing three populations of L. albanicum. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 33% of the total variance is between species. The highest amount of genetic differentiation, 51% of the total variance, is found within the individual populations.

Key words: Liliaceae, Lilium albanicum, Lilium chalcedonicum, RAPD, genetic variation.