Abstract
M.Sc.
Imbrasia belina is a well-utilised natural resource in southern Africa. This
resource can only be utilised sustainably after a thorough study of its ecology,
breeding system and its genetic structures are assessed. The implementing of
breeding programmes should be evaluated with well-defined management
and conservation controls and regulations. The purpose of this study was to
establish the amount of genetic variation and gene flow in two wild populations
and the staggered generations of I. be/ina, and to determine which
developmental stage should be used for further studies. Gene products of 41
protein-coding loci were analysed by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis.
High levels of polymorphism (42% and 47%) and heterozygosity (0.182 to
0.21 0) were present in all groups. Results from initial studies indicated
developmental constraints on the expression of several loci, namely CK, GPO
and PEP-S. After further studies with larger sample sizes, it now appears that
there are only allozyme and not isozyme differences between the individuals
from the various developmental stages. The groups studied exhibit a large
amount of variation within, but little differentiation and a large amount of gene
flow between them. Results of the study indicate that the genetic diversity of
I. be/ina populations is healthy. Thus, sustainable utilisation of the Messina
Experimental farm (November/December) group is recommended due to the
high heterozygosity and genetic variation in this population.