Abstract: A higher level of salt tolerance in saline populations of wild soybean ( Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc. ) has been found in the Yellow River Delta. The levels of salt tolerance for individuals with in populations vary widely. In the saline populations, there are a few plants with much higher tolerant level than that of the most tolerant cultivars, such as Morgan, and others as saline sensitive plants. Isozyme analysis showed a high level of genetic diversity, however, no relationship was found between isozymatic patterns and salt tolerance. Saline and normal populations shared similar genetic structure with a genetic distance of 0. 045. By using a modified procedure of random amplified polymorphic DNA(RAPD), a higher level of DNA diversity was detected in saline populations. The authors propose that the high level of genetic diversity and developmental flexibility is responsible for adaptation of wild soybean to changing saline conditions.

Key words: Wild soybean, Natural population, Salt tolerance, Molecular marker, Genetic diversity, Developmental versatility