Abstract: Genetic diversity of 134 individuals from 6 natural populations of Primula merrilliana, an endangered and endemic species in Anhui province, was assessed using RAPD markers. A total of 158 amplified bands were evaluated from 12 informative and reliable primers screened from 100 RAPD primers, and 129 bands were polymorphic loci ( PPL). Analysis with POPGENE showed a high proportion of genetic variation ( PPL = 81.65%, H_e = 0.2515, H_o = 0. 3849) for Primula merrilliana. Analyzed by Nei′s gene diversity index, the coefficient of the genetic differentiation ( G_ST ) was 0.5511, which was consistent with Shannon information index (54.48% ). The main factors responsible for the high degree of genetic differentiation among populations may result from habitat fragmentation and barriers of gene flow. The pattern of genetic variation provides important data and valuable information for the conservation strategies of Primula merrilliana, such as protecting their natural habitats and existing populations and individuals, improving the gene flow among populations, and sampling within more populations during ex situ conservation .

Key words: Primula merrilliana Schltr .