Radioactive 32P Research Articles

Computed tomography and radioactive 32P detected phosphorus impairment in metabolism, reduced bones density and animal performance caused by mixed infection of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in sheep

Phosphorus (P) is one of the main minerals present in the animal body and exerts crucial functions in the organism. P is present at all cell membranes and integrates the structure of bones, being necessary its supplementation in ruminants due to the deficiency of this mineral in the pastures. One of the principal factors that compromise its metabolization are gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Thus, the objective of this study was evaluate the performance and metabolism of P through its distribution in the animal body, density of bones and muscles, dynamic fluxes, biological availability and half live of P, concentration of P in tissues and bones of lambs simultaneously infected with the most prevalent GIN to sheep, in tropical or subtropical areas, (Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis) using the isotopic dilution technique with 32P radioisotope. Twenty Santa Ines sheep with seven months of age and averaging initial weight of 30.8 ± 6.41 kg were used and allocated to one of two treatments. Ten animals were orally infected (a single dose of 30,000 L3 larvae of T. colubriformis + 10,000 L3 larvae of H. contortus), and ten animals were not infected (control group). During the experimental, samples of blood, feces, urine, and diet refusals were collected and weighting were performed. A computed tomography was performed twice, before infection and at the end of the experiment, to evaluate changes in body composition. On 64-d after experimental infection, animals received an intravenous injection of 32P solution, and 7-d after they received radioisotope injection. The experimental animals were slaughtered, and tissue and bones were collected for P concentrations. The results showed that the parasitic infection compromised the absorption of P, impairing the metabolism, decreasing the mineral bioavailability increasing P bones reabsorption, and reducing bones density, also negatively compromising the infected animal performance.

Host parasitic interaction studies in genera of Loranthaceae using radioactive 32P

Hemiparasitic weed species infects fruit crops and other economically important trees reducing their productivity and timber quality. They absorb water and minerals from the host through haustorium. Further insight into the host parasitic infection is essential for formulating effective technologies for its management. The work investigates partitioning of phosphorous and host parasitic interaction pattern using radioactive 32P. The results proves translocation of phosphorous from the host to parasite and from parasite to host. The host acts as source for water and nutrients for the parasite. The parasite also translocates applied 32P to the immediate sink of the host based on its demand. The study postulates bidirectional movement of phosphorous as mineral nutrient and as signaling molecule. Host and parasite acts as a single unit in the partitioning and allocation of phosphorous.

Isotope Labeling to Study Phosphorus Uptake in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.

Isotope labeling enables the detection and quantification of nutrient fluxes between soil and plants through arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Here we describe the use of radioactive isotopes, 33P and 32P, to study the uptake of P from soil by AM fungal mycelium and its transfer to the host plant through the mycorrhizal pathway.

Impact of raking and bioturbation-mediated ecological manipulation on sediment-water phosphorus diagenesis: a mesocosm study supported with radioactive signature.

The study examined the impact of raking and fish bioturbation on modulating phosphorus (P) concentrations in the water and sediment under different trophic conditions. An outdoor experiment was set to monitor physicochemical and microbiological parameters of water and sediment influencing P diagenesis. A pilot study with radioactive 32P was also performed under the agency of raking and bacteria (Bacillus sp.). Raking was more effective in release of P under unfertilized conditions by significantly enhancing orthophosphate (35%) and soluble reactive phosphate (31.8%) over respective controls. Bioturbation increased total and available P in sediments significantly as compared to control. The rates of increase were higher in the unfertilized conditions (17.6-28.4% for total P and 12.2 to 23.2% for available P) than the fertilized ones (6.5-12.4% for total P and 9.1 to 15% for available P). The combined effects of raking and bioturbation on orthophosphate and soluble reactive phosphate were also stronger under unfertilized state (54.5 and 81.8%) than fertilized ones (50 and 70%). The tracer signature showed that coupled action of introduced bacteria and repeated raking resulted in 59.2, 23 and 16% higher counts of radioactive P than the treatments receiving raking once, repeated raking and bacteria inoculation, respectively. Raking alone or in sync with bioturbation exerted pronounced impact on P diagenesis through induction of coupled mineralization and nutrient release. It has significant implication for performing regular raking of fish-farm sediments and manipulation of bottom-grazing fish to regulate mineralization of organic matter and release of obnoxious gases from the system. Further, they synergistically can enhance the buffering capacity against organic overload and help to maintain aquatic ecosystem health.

Intraoperative high-dose rate of radioactive phosphorus 32 brachytherapy for diffuse recalcitrant conjunctival neoplasms: a retrospective case series and report of toxicity.

Adjunct treatments for conjunctival malignancies are needed when standard therapy provides limited benefits or fails. To describe the results of patients with diffuse conjunctival neoplasms treated with radioactive phosphorus 32 (32P)-impregnated flexible film. This retrospective case series between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2013, was conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a tertiary referral center. The study was conducted on 7 eyes of 6 patients treated for diffuse conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, or lymphoma that had recurrent or residual disease after primary treatment. Patients underwent mapping biopsies and detailed conjunctival drawings to delineate the pathologic extent of the disease. The brachytherapy film used for treatment was the RIC Conformal Source Model 100 (RIC-100, RI Consultants). The RIC-100 is a flexible, thin (approximately 0.5-mm) film made of a polymer chemically bound to 32P. The radioactive 32P film was placed intraoperatively, allowed to stay in place until the prescription dose was reached, and then removed. The median dose at the prescription point (1 mm from the surface of the film) was 15 Gy (range, 5-17 Gy). Patients were tested for best-corrected visual acuity, recurrence-free survival, and adverse events scored by using the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 scale. Between 2010 and 2013, 7 eyes of 6 patients were treated. The median age of patients was 70 years. All patients had a recurrent or persistent neoplasm. Four patients with squamous cell carcinoma, 1 with sebaceous carcinoma, and 1 with metachronous bilateral lymphomas were treated. The median treatment time was 19 minutes (range, 10-52 minutes). The median follow-up was 24.9 months (range, 3.1-38.2 months). Recurrence-free survival 24 months after brachytherapy was 75% (95% CI, 19-89.1). Two moderate adverse events and 1 severe adverse event occurred. Visual acuity was stable or improved in 5 of the 7 eyes (ie, better than 20/70 in the 5 patients who retained their treated eye). Our results show the use of an intraoperative high-dose rate of 32P brachytherapy in selected cases of recalcitrant diffuse conjunctival neoplasms. This technique offers a novel adjunct in the treatment of these cancers. Further follow-up and study are warranted.

Exchange of Radioactive Phosphorus 32P between the Components of an Artificial Plant Community

In artificial plant communities (wooden cases with soil) the following plants were grown together for one year: case No. 1: <i>Betula verrucosa</i> Ehrh. (2 specimens) and <i>Carex pilosa</i> Scop.; sases No. 2 and 3: <i>Alnus incana</i> (L.) Mnch., <i>Fraxinus excelsior</i> L., <i>Podus avium</i> Mili., <i>Aegopodiurti podagraria</i> L., <i>Eupatorium cannabinum</i> L. and others. Into the stalks or stems of one to three plants of every case <sup>32</sup>P was introduced. After 3 months all the plants in every case contained radiactive phosphorus. There were great differences in <sup>32</sup>P concentration (up to ten-fold) between plants grown in the same case. The concentration of <sup>32</sup>P in plants into which it had not been introduced was of the range of 0.1%.

In vitro Studies of the Antibody Response: Antibodies of Different Specificity are Made in Different Populations of Cells.

In vitro Studies of the Antibody Response: Antibodies of Different Specificity are Made in Different Populations of Cells.

Recovery of phosphorus fertilizer in potato as affected by application strategy and soil type

AbstractPhosphorus (P) fertilizers are usually supplied prior to or at planting of potato even though most P is taken up 40 to 80 d after emergence. This may lead to inefficient P use as a result of P leaching or fixation in the soil. This study evaluates the effects of split P application at multiple times during the growth period according to the plant's need for P. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Ditta) was grown in pots in climate chambers, and radioactive 32P isotope was used to distinguish between the fertilizer and soil‐derived P sources. Two soils were tested in combination with five application rates of P, and the plants were harvested at four dates. The results show that the recovery of P fertilizer can be significantly enhanced if the P supply is split. The result also showed that the proportion of soil‐derived P, accumulated in the plant, was significantly reduced both when more fertilizer P was applied to the soil and when P supply was split into several applications. The positive effects of multiple P applications on the P recovery were greatest in the soil with low P status and low buffer capacity.

Deep Roots are Pivotal for Regulating Post‐Anthesis Leaf Senescence in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

AbstractRoot activity plays a dominant role in grain filling in cereal crops. However, the importance of deep roots for regulating post‐anthesis leaf senescence is not clearly understood in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, we used 32P tracing to estimate the difference in wheat root activity at soil depths of 30 and 70 cm and the root restriction method to investigate the effects of vertical distribution of deep roots on leaf senescence, with non‐restricted plants as controls. Recovery of radioactive 32P indicated that deep roots had significantly higher activity than upper roots in wheat. Root restriction at a soil depth of 50 cm caused significant decreases in the activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) at 16 days after anthesis and thereafter resulting in an increase in malondialdehyde. As a result, chlorophyll levels and net photosynthesis decreased. Ultimately, the root‐restricted wheat produced a significantly lower grain yield than the non‐restricted controls. These data suggest that deep roots are pivotal for regulating plant senescence, duration of grain filling, and yield formation.

Elucidating the interplay between DNA-condensing and free polycations in gene transfection through a mechanistic study of linear and branched PEI

In the present study we compare LPEI and BPEI characteristics related to DNA condensation and their role as free polycation chains in gene transfection. Using radioactive 32P labeled DNA, we investigated the effect of free PEI chains on the cellular uptake of polyplexes. Our investigations show different properties of BPEI and LPEI polyplexes in condensation and de-condensation processes as well as in cellular uptake, which was tightly correlated with transfection efficiency. In agreement with earlier reports we find all DNA to be condensed at N/P = 3. Further added PEI chains remain free in solution. We found that both the cellular uptake and gene transfection of BPEI polyplexes is much more efficient than LPEI polyplexes at a low N/P ratio of 3 (i.e., without free PEI chains). When N/P is high (10, with 7 portions of free PEI), the LPEI and BPEI polyplexes have similar transfection efficiency even though the cellular uptake of the LPEI polyplexes is significantly lower. In addition, we found that addition of free short or long PEI chains (2.5 and 25 kDa) leads to a comparable gene transfection efficiency.

Influence of Physical Raking and Biological Process in the Mud-water Exchange Dynamics of P in Fish Culture Ponds

Experiment was conducted in the laboratory using radioactive 32P for ascertaining the dynamics and quantifying the exchangeable amount of P between sediment and water phase under the influence of physicalraking and biological processes. Collected sediment (100 g) was dispensed in a glass beaker and treated with radioactive 32P after reaction with CaCO3. Each beaker filled with 250 ml tap water. Four different treatments: physical raking once (RO), repeated raking (RR), bacteria (Bacillus, 167 X 102 ml-1) inoculum (BI) and bacteriainoculum (Bacillus, 167 X 102 ml-1) plus repeated raking (BI + RR) were used in the study. Water samples were collected and tested for specific activity of radioactive 32P, concentration of orthophosphate and count of heterotrophic bacterial (HB) population. The 32P value of BI+RR treatment was 20, 25, 37 and 56% higher than BI,RR, RO and control, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that synergistic effect of bacteria inoculum plus repeated raking (BI + RR) released maximum amount of phosphorus than the rest three treatments. Critical appraisal of data clearly revealed four states of dynamic of 32P between sediment and overlaying water: initial rapid increase of 32P level in water - rapid desorption period (RDP) from day 0 to 12, slow increase of 32P level of water - slow desorption period (SDP) from day >12 to 55, the 32P moves to sediment resulting in decrease 32P level in water - absorption period (AP) from day >55 to 90 and steady period (SP) from day >90 to 124, when 32P concentration of water and sediment supposed to be equal indicating no movement of 32P occurred between the water and sedimentphase.

A Self-Healing Oxygen-Evolving Catalyst

A cobalt-phosphate water-oxidizing catalyst forms from the oxidation of Co(2+) to Co(3+) in the presence of phosphate. We have employed radioactive (57)Co and (32)P isotopes to probe the dynamics of this catalyst during water-oxidation catalysis. We show that the catalyst is self-healing and that phosphate is the crucial factor responsible for repair.

Plant availability of phosphorus from fluid fertiliser is maintained under soil moisture deficit in non-calcareous soils of south-eastern Australia

Low soil moisture and phosphorus (P) deficiencies restrict grain production in south-eastern Australia. The effect of the soil moisture regime on the plant availability of P from fluid mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertiliser was examined during vegetative growth of wheat and canola in P-responsive soils from the Wimmera, Mallee, and high rainfall zone (Glenelg) regions of Victoria. Three plant growth experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, wheat growth and P uptake increased synergistically as soil moisture increased above permanent wilting point (PWP) and as P rate increased. In Experiment 2, the uptake of P from MAP fertiliser of wheat growing under a soil moisture deficit was examined using radioactive (32P) labelling. A factorial design compared uptake from intact soil cores of 3 soil types (Vertosol, Sodosol, Chromosol), 2 depths of fertiliser placement (40 and 80 mm), and either 0 or 25 kg P/ha. Results showed distinct plant responses to both the presence and depth of MAP fertiliser. Banding MAP close to the seed was most efficient in terms of recovery of the fertiliser P, regardless of the soil moisture conditions. Soil moisture regime affected the plant uptake of soil P, rather than fertiliser P, with more soil P taken up by the plants when soil moisture increased. The plant availability of the residual MAP fertiliser in the soil was subsequently examined in Experiment 3. The availability of the residual MAP to canola seedlings was equivalent to 8 kg P/ha of freshly applied MAP. Following both crops (9 months), Colwell P values indicated no further residual MAP availability in soil that had been under the wet regime, and only a small residual value in soil from the dry regime. Banded application of fluid MAP close to the seed and into soil that is above PWP is recommended, even when a relatively dry season is expected, although the residual value to following crops may be limited.

Changes of decay rates of radioactive 111In and 32P induced by mechanic motion

The changes of decay rates of radionuclide 111In (electron capture) and 32P (β decay) induced by external mechanic motion are studied. The results indicate that, in the external circular rotation in clockwise and anticlockwise centrifuge on Northern Hemisphere (radius 8 cm, 2000 r/min), the half life of 111In compared with the referred (2.83 d) is decreased at 2.83% and increased at 1.77%, respectively; the half life of 32P compared with the referred (14.29 d) is decreased at 3.78% and increased at 1.75%, respectively. When the clockwise and anticlockwise rotations increase to 4000 r/min, the half life of 111In is decreased at 11.31% and increased at 6.36%, respectively; the half life of 32P is decreased at 10.08% and increased at 4.34%, respectively. When the circular rotation is removed, the decay rates of 111In and 32P, return back to the referred, respectively. It is found that the external circular rotations in clockwise and anticlockwise centrifuge selectively increased and decreased the decay rates of 111In and 32P, respectively, and the effects are strongly dependent on the strength of circular rotation. It is suggested that these effects may be caused by the chiral interaction.

Development of non-electrophoretic assay method for DNA ligases and its application to screening of chemical inhibitors of DNA ligase I

A new rapid assay method for DNA ligases has been developed, which allows direct quantification of enzyme activity without using the traditional polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic technique. In this method, the 5′-biotinylated nicked duplex was used as a substrate for the ligase reaction, in which the 5′-end of the first oligonucleotide (19-mer) on the nicked strand is biotinylated and the second oligonucleotide (20-mer) on the same strand is labeled with radioactive 32P at the 5′-end. After ligation of the biotinylated 19-mer oligonucleotide into the second oligonucleotide with the reaction of DNA ligases, the biotinylated 19-mer oligonucleotide is converted into the radioactive 39-mer oligonucleotide. The ligase reaction products were heat-denatured to release both ligated and unligated biotinylated oligonucleotides. The biotinylated oligonucleotides were then captured on a streptavidin-coated microtiter plate and counted. The results obtained using this method correlated very well with those from the standard assay method using electrophoresis. Using this assay method, we were able to screen a chemical library and identify new DNA ligase inhibitors structurally related to resorcinol, which has growth inhibitory effects on the human breast cancer cell, MCF-7. The method described here is anticipated to be very useful for screening DNA ligase inhibitors from chemical libraries.

Detection of glycosylase, endonuclease and methyltransferase enzyme activities using immobilized oligonucleotides.

A novel rapid assay for detection of DNA glycosylase, restriction endonuclease, and DNA methyltransferase enzyme activities is presented. The assay is based on enzyme-dependent label release (in case of glycosylase and endonuclease), or non-release (in case of methyltransferase) into solution from end-labeled DNA immobilized on solid support (CPG or Tenta Gel S-NH2). The assay has been validated for monitoring activity of repair enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase, restriction endonucleases SsoII, MvaI and EcoRII and (cytosine-5)-DNA methyltransferase SsoII. Two types of labels have been tested and found compatible with the assay: radioactive (32P) and fluorescent (rhodamine B and fluorescein). The enzyme activity is estimated as a ratio of the label released into solution to the total amount of the label. Use of fluorescent labeling facilitates detection while use of solid phase-immobilized substrates facilitates product separation, improved assay sensitivity, and increases throughput of assay. Proposed technique provides an estimate of enzyme activity but not its specific activity. Thus, the assay will most valuable in the applications where rapid estimation of enzyme activity is necessary.

Detection of differentially expressed genes in particle disease using array-filter analysis.

The precise cellular mechanism of osteolysis in particle disease is still unknown. The aim of the study was to screen for new gene products in macrophages during particle contact. In an established macrophage model THP1-cells (human monocytic cells) were differentiated under the influence of vitamin D3 and GM-CSF into macrophage-like cells (MLC). MLCs were incubated each with different concentrations of polyethylene particles, Lipopolysaccharids (LPS) and controls. Isolated RNA was transcribed into complementary radioactive 32P labeled cDNA. This probe was hybridised on an human cDNA expression array and analysed by autoradiography. To obtain a more reliable method quantifying mRNA, the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used. The arrays showed an upregulation of the following genes by particles: TNF-Rezeptor 2, IL-1 Receptor Antagonist, Bone Morphogenic Protein 4 and HM 145. This was proven three times using RT-PCR and statistically significant in comparison to the controls. LPS induced the same upregulation except for HM145 whereas particles caused downregulation of this mRNA expression. Our results prove that the model of differentiated THP-1 cells treated with PE particles is a suitable system to analyse differential gene expression patterns, since the induction of the major positive control genes TNF alpha and IL1 beta were detected by this approach. BMP 4 is known as signal protein which mediates ectopic bone formation and can also be interpreted as a contra regulatory gene. HM 145 belongs to the leukocyte chemotactic peptide receptor family. HM 145 seems to be one of the first genes that is enhanced along the septical pathway but less expressed by contact with particles. Analysis of HM 145 expression might help to diagnose septic versus aseptic loosening of prosthesis.

Endovascular brachytherapy in coronary arteries: the Rotterdam experience

Purpose: The use of endovascular coronary brachytherapy to prevent restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) began in April 1997 at the Department of Interventional Cardiology of the Thoraxcenter at the University Hospital of Rotterdam. This article reviews the more than 250 patients that have been treated so far. Methods and Materials: The Beta-Cath™ System (Novoste), a manual, hydraulic afterloader with 12 90Sr seeds, was used in the Beta Energy Restenosis Trial (BERT-1.5, n=31), for compassionate use ( n=25), in the Beta-Cath System trial ( n=27) and in the Beta Radiation in Europe (BRIE, n=14). Since the Beta-Cath™ System has been commercialized in Europe, 57 patients have been treated and registered in RENO (Registry Novoste). In the Proliferation Reduction with Vascular Energy Trial (PREVENT), 37 patients were randomized using the Guidant-Nucletron remote control afterloader with a 32P source wire and a centering catheter. Radioactive 32P coated stents have been implanted in 102 patients. In the Isostent Restenosis Intervention Study 1 (IRIS 1), 26 patients received a stent with an activity of 0.75–1.5 μCi, and in the IRIS 2 (European 32P dose response trial), 40 patients were treated with an activity of 6–12 μCi. In two consecutive pilot trials, radioactive stents with non-radioactive ends (cold-end stents) and with ends containing higher levels of activity (hot-end stents) were implanted in 21 and 17 patients, respectively. Results: In the BERT-1.5 trial, the radiation dose, prescribed at 2 mm from the source train (non-centered), was 12 Gy (10 patients), 14 Gy (10 patients) and 16 Gy (11 patients). At 6-month follow-up, 8 out of 28 (29%) patients developed restenosis. The target lesion revascularization rate (TLR) was 7 out of 30 (23%) at 6 months and 8 out of 30 (27%) at 1 year. Two patients presented with late thrombosis in the first year. For compassionate use patients, a restenosis rate (RR) of 53% was observed. In the PREVENT trial, 34 of 37 patients underwent an angiographic 6-month follow-up. The doses prescribed at 0.5 mm depth into the vessel wall were 0 Gy (8), 28 Gy (9), 35 Gy (11) and 42 Gy (8). TLR was 14% in the irradiated patients and 25% in the placebo group. One patient developed late thrombosis. In the IRIS 1 trial, 23 patients showed an RR of 17% (in-stent). In the IRIS 2 trial, in-stent restenosis was not seen in 36 patients at 6-month follow-up. However, a high RR (44%) was observed at the stent edges. Conclusions: The integration of vascular brachytherapy in the catheterization laboratory is feasible and the different treatment techniques that are used are safe. Problems, such as edge restenosis and late thrombotic occlusion, have been identified as limiting factors of this technique. Solutions have been suggested and will be tested in future trials.

Growth on Indium-Tin Oxide-Coated Glass Enhances 32P-Phosphate Uptake and Protein Labelling of Adherent Cells

ABSTRACT A method to improve the efficiency of labelling of adherent cells with radioactive 32P is described. Cells are grown on a glass surface which is coated with indium-tin oxide, a commercially available, transparent material which permits excellent cell adhesion and growth. The results show that a 2 to 3-fold increase in 32P uptake by the cells can be achieved by growing cells on this material, compared to conventional tissue culture plastic.

Differentiation of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) genotypes by AFLP analyses

Bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) are major turfgrasses for home lawns, public parks, golf courses and sport fields, and are widely adapted to tropical and warmer temperate climates. Morphological and physiological characteristics are not sufficient to differentiate some bermudagrass genotypes because the differences between them are often subtle and subject to environmental influence. In this study, a DNA-typing technique, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), was used to differentiate bermudagrass genotypes and to explore their genetic relationships. Twenty seven bermudagrass cultivars and introductions, mostly from the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Ga., were assayed by the radioactive (32P) and the fluorescence-labeled AFLP methods. The AFLP technique produced enough polymorphism to differentiate all 27 bermudagrass genotypes, even the closely related ones. An average of 48–74 bands in the 30–600-bp size range was detected by the 32P-labeled AFLP method. The results indicated that most of the 14 primer combinations tested in this study could be used to distinguish bermudagrass genotypes, and that some single primer-pairs could differentiate all 27 of them. To test the reliability and reproducibility of the AFLP procedure, three DNA isolations (replications) of the 27 bermudagrass genotypes were assayed using five primer pairs. Only 0.6% of the bands were evaluated differently among the three replications. One replication of one genotype (which was most likely a planting contaminant) was grouped in an unexpected cluster using the Unweighted Pair Group Mean Average (UPGMA) method. A one- or two-band difference in scoring did not change the clustering of genotypes or the replications within genotypes. The 27 genotypes were grouped into three major clusters, many of which were in agreement with known pedigrees. Trees constructed with different primer combinations using 32P- and fluorescence-labelling formed similar major groupings. The semi-automated fluorescence-based AFLP technique offered significant improvements on fragment sizing and data handling. It was also more accurate for detection and more efficient than the radioactive labelling method. This study shows that the AFLP technique is a reliable tool for differentiating bermudagrass genotypes and for determining genetic relationships among them.