Isozyme variation in Eucalyptus nitens and E. denticulata

Abstract

Seed samples from 22 populations across the geographic range of E. nitens (Deane and Maiden) Maiden s. str. and E. denticulata I.O. Cook and P.Y. Ladiges were analysed for isozyme variation and estimation of the genetic distance between the two taxa. Analysis of 12 enzyme systems in 3 buffer systems revealed 12 polymorphic and 5 monomorphic loci. The results confirm the distinctiveness of E. nitens and E. denticulata previously reported for morphological characteristics. A single population of the related species E. quadrangulata Deane and Maiden was distinct from, and more heterogeneous than, populations of the other two taxa. The results also show regional genetic variation within E. niten..