Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) represents a potential species for reforestation and commercial exploitation programmes in tropical countries such as Colombia. The genetic variability of a rubber collection kept at the Paraguaicito Experimental Station in Buenavista in the Quindio department of Colombia was studied to improve knowledge regarding this species and make better use of the trees available. A total of 25 clones, six from South-America, 17 from Asia and two from Central-América were

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... ed and analysed using RAPDs. DNA samples isolated from the trees were screened with 102 primers, 23 of which revealed polymorphism. Although a high degree of similarity was found, clustering analysis of the data led to differentiating the rubber trees in terms of their geographical origin. Furthermore, genetic relationships were found amongst the clones which could help in selecting parents for use in breeding programmes and designing strategies for conserving clones having desirable agronomic traits. Key words: cultivar identification, genetic distance, genetic diversity, Hevea brasiliensis, RAPD marker