Genetic Distance Within and Between Two Haloxylon salicornicum Populations As Revealed By RAPD Markers

Genetic distance within and between two natural populations of Haloxylon salicornicum Saudi Arabia was investigated at the DNA level by analysis of RAPD fragments. Out of 60 random primers, which were initially screened, 5 generated highly reproducible RAPD fragments which were then used for further population analysis. With these primers, 24 discernible DNA fragments were produced and 10 (41.7 %) were polymorphic. In addition, Dahna population showed greater polymorphism than those from Thumama. The majority of RAPD variation in Haloxylon salicornicum was found within rather than between populations and Dahna has more variation than Thumama as estimated by genetic distance.