Objective To reveal the genetic diversity and genetic structure of Dendrocalamus minor var. amoenus populations and provide useful information on effective utilization of germplasm resources and elite breeding.

Method The genetic diversity and genetic distance of 48 D. minor var. amoenus individuals from 3 populations were analyzed by using 12 ISSR primers.

Result A total of 124 loci were identified, of which 102 loci were polymorphism, accounting for 82.26%, Nei's ISSR diversities (He) at the species and population level were 0.220 4 and 0.206 6, respectively, the Shannon's information index (I) were 0.349 4 and 0.300 5, indicating that D. minor var. amoenus possessed medium level of genetic diversity. The variance within populations was the main part of the genetic variation according to Gst analysis. The level of gene flow (Nm) was calculated as 2.562 1 individuals per generation within the 3 populations, indicating that the majority of genetic variation occurred within populations. The UPGMA tree based on genetic distance (D) indicated that 48 individuals could be divided into 3 types and 3 populations could be clustered into 2 groups. The clustering in this dendrogram was not consistent with the geographical distribution, suggesting that there was no obvious correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance of populations.

Conclusion Analysis of 3 populations based on the index of the Nei's genetic diversity showed that the genetic diversity of D. minor var. amoenus individuals is abundant though it is an asexual plant. The genetic diversity of species within populations is higher than that among populations. Fujian's population shows the highest level of genetic diversity and it should be a priority for protection.