Cytological and Molekular Characteristics of Salak Sidempuan (Salacca sumatrana Becc.) at Different Elevations

Abstract

Breeding is mostly done only through phenotypic observations, so information on molecular data is still limited. In addition, most studies only focus on Salak Pondoh and Salak Gading. Therefore, we want to conduct research on the study of genetic diversity of Salak Sidimpuan in the South Tapanuli region. Samples were taken from 3 locations which are the largest salak production centers in Padangsidimpuan, namely East Angkola District, West Angkola District, and South Angkola District, each of which has a different altitude. The number of samples taken was 9 sample plants from all locations. Cytological observations, namely observations of leaf chlorophyll content at 3 locations tested at the Biology Laboratory of Medan State University. Genetic varieties of Salak Sidimpuan were analyzed using Random Aplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers at the Biology Laboratory of Medan State University. The results of the study showed that the highest chlorophyll content was found in the West Angkola District with an altitude of 1550-1700 mdpl. The results of the RAPD analysis on Salak with 3 locations, namely West Angkola District, East Angkola District and South Angkola District, obtained polymorphic presentation results of 60 - 91% with an average of 81.4%. The highest polymorphic presentation was obtained with the OPA-13 primer and the lowest with OPA-9.