SSCP intron marker system is a convenient tool for clonal fingerprinting of poplar (Populus) cultivars of different species and interspecific hybrids.

In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of SSCP analysis of intron markers, as a routine tool for fingerprinting of clones of different poplar species and interspecific hybrids. Exon primed intron crossing primers were designed on two catalase genes. Analysis of these fragments on SSCP gels revealed that catalase introns exhibit substantial sequence variation within poplar species and cultivars. SSCP analysis resulted effective in detecting intra and interspecific polymorphisms among the 119 poplar cultivars obtaining 110 different individual profiles. A hierarchical clustering process showed the high level of divergence among clones reflecting in most cases the section and the species the clones belongs to. This marker system was also proved with high transferability within Salicaceae. SSCP intron analysis represents a powerful tool in detecting DNA. sequence polymorphism, in screening diversity and an effective method for clonal fingerprinting.