Genetic diversity among wild and cultivated populations of Hevea brasiliensis assessed by nuclear RFLP analysis.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism was assessed in wild and cultivated populations of Hevea brasiliensis using random probes from an Hevea nuclear library. One-hundred-and-sixty-four individuals were surveyed, and the results discussed in the light of previous work performed on isozyme variation. Both studies show that germplasm collections have led to an effective enrichment of the genetic resources available for Hevea breeding, and that cultivated clones have conserved a relatively high level of polymorphism, despite their narrow genetic base and their high level of inbreeding. An equivalent level of polymorphism is revealed by random nuclear probes and isozymes. However, the genetic structuring of the diversity appears more striking using RFLP markers. Wild accessions can be divided into three genetic groups according to their geographical origin. The present results are an essential guide to the incorporation of wild material in breeding schemes.