Abstract: AFLP analysis was carried out in amplification of the DNAs from different generations of the synthetic allotetraploid (Cucumis ×hytivus, Chen and Kirkbride, 2n = 38) , the interspecific F1 , and its diploid parents. The results indicated that extensive genomic changes occurred in the synthetic allotetraploid, and the variation rate was as high as 22.2%. We found the genomic changes started in the F₁ and the highest variation rate observed in S₂. Most genomic changes involved the loss of parental fragments, formation of novel fragments, with some fragments disappearing in one generation and reappearing in others. In addition, it was observed that some parent-specific bands were inherited preferentially from the male parent.

Key words: Cucumis, Allotetraploid, AFLP, Genomic change