Allozyme diversity and systematics inAnnonaceae—a pilot project

Five species ofAnnona and one species fromArtabotrys, Cananga, Polyalthia, andRollinia were investigated in regard to 11 different allozyme loci. Preliminary studies on small population samples ofAnnona suggest genetic uniformity in three species and variability within and between populations in two other species. The allotetraploid origin ofA. glabra is clearly shown by its hybrid enzyme bands. The genetic distance between fiveAnnona species partly corresponds with their morphological relationships; onlyA. muricata appears more separated than is suggested by morphology. A comparison of the five genera demonstrates close relationship betweenAnnona andRollinia. Two enzyme loci are identical within all taxa investigated and possibly may serve as a genetic marker for the family.