Determination of taxonomic relationships among Brazilian taxa of Stylosanthes Sw., Leguminosae, using RAPD markers

Abstract

The potential use of RAPDs for taxonomic studies was investigated in six Stylosanthes Sw. taxa. Based on the presence/absence of RAPDs bands, genetic similarities were evaluated and a dendrogram was built according to the UPGMA procedure. Two groups were clearly differentiated, one represented by an annual species (S. humilis) and another by the controversial taxa belonging to the S. guianensis complex. Among taxa of the latter group RAPDs have proven useful for discriminating S. gracilis, that should be under a process of evolutionary divergence.