DNA polymorphism analysis in five endangered species of Meconopsis (Himalayan poppy) using multi-copy sequence-based probes.

An attempted to understand the genetic basis of extinction of Meconopsis (Himalayan poppy), an endangered genus of ornamental value and confined to alpine Himalayas, is described. Multicopy DNA sequences were isolated from a Sau3A partial genomic plasmid library of M. simplicifolia and M. paniculata. Genetic polymorphism between five species of Meconopsis belonging to geographically isolated populations was evident, albeit at a low level, in genomic Southerns when probed with repetitive DNA clones isolated from this library. Intra-population monomorphic band patterns for different populations of a species was evident with respect to a number of enzymes suggesting very low or no genetic variability and/or low mutation rate within a given population of Meconopsis.