Abstract: Isozymes of esterase of 13 species in genus Amaranthus were analyzed by using polycrylamide gel electrophoresis. As a result, esterase isozyme patterns show 2 representitive bands, and we think Amaranthus is a natural classification group. The taxonomic significance of esterase isozymes were discussed based on the Rf values and the similarity values of isozyme patterns. In the cultivated forms A. paniculatus, A. caudatus and A. hypochondriacus have a certain relationship. According to the relationship of isozyme product and evolution we consider section Amaranthus in more evolutionary than section Blitopsis.

Key words: Esterase isozymes, Amaranthus, China