Abstract: In order to discuss the level of genetic diversity of Bombax malabaricum, we surveyed the genetic diversity of 4 populations (YJ, YM, QJ, DJ) from dry-hot valleys of Yunnan province, 2 populations (GX, HN) from dry-hot regions
and 1 population (BN) from wet-hot region of Yunnan using ISSR molecular markers . Based on 10 selected primers, 142 clear and reproducible DNA fragments were generated. The percentage of polymorphic loci PPB was 90.14%, Nei′s ( 1973) gene diversity H was 0. 2530 and Shannon′s Information index I was 0. 3864 . The coefficient of genetic differentiation
( G_ST ) was 0. 1870 and the Фst was 0. 177 estimated by AMOVA. The results showed high level of genetic diversity within population and low level of genetic differentiation among populations. We inferred that the high level of genetic diversity and effective gene flow of B. malabaricum may play an important role in its better adaptability. Considering the introduction of B. malabaricum in dry-hot regions, we suggest to sample abundantly within populations and involve different populations .

Key words: Bombax malabaricum