Abstract: random primers have been used in studying the genetic diversity of Athyriaceae from different region in Heilongjiang Province. The genomic DNA of Athyriaceae have been amplified by PCR. Then the RAPD bands have been statistically analyzed and the percentage of polymorphism were obtained. The data suggest Athyriaceae plants have high level genetic variations and the distribution of its specimens have well adaptive capacity to environment changes. The data have also been further analyzed by Shannon and Nei index to estimate the relationship of specimens within and among the three genus:Athyrium, Gymnocarpium and Cystopteris. The results show: Most variations of Athyrium are still exist among its specimens; There is some variations between Cystopteris fragilis and Cystopteris sudetica in Cystopteris to some degree; In Gymnocarpium, the genetic variations between Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Gymnocarpium jessoense are somewhat prominent. The results establish a foundation in the study of taxonomic status of Athyrium, Gymnocarpium and Cystopteris in Athyriaceae.

Key words: RAPD, Athyrium, Gymnocarpium, Cystopteris