A multicopy DNA sequence from Meconopsis simplicifolia discriminates between the different species of this endangered Himalayan poppy.

Clones harboring multicopy DNA sequences were isolated on the basis of reverse genome hybridization to Meconopsis paniculata (Himalayan yellow poppy) DNA from a Sau3A partial genomic plasmid library of M. simplicifolia (Himalayan blue poppy). Restriction-endonuclease-dependent genetic polymorphism between five species of Meconopsis, M. aculeata, M. paniculata, M. simplicifolia, M. sinuata and M. villosa, belonging to geographically isolated populations, was evident in genomic DNA filter hybridizations when probed with a clone (pIMS10) isolated from this library. Pooled DNA from seedlings originating from plants of individual populations of M. paniculata, M. simplicifolia and M. villosa gave similar band patterns, with respect to a given enzyme, suggesting intra-population genetic homogeneity.