Genetic diversity and similarity between green and brown morphotypes of Kappaphycus alvarezii using RAPD

The taxonomy and identification of carrageenophyte red marine algae is confused due to lack of adequate characteristics. There are also difficulties when analyzing the species, relationship between color morphotype and site of origin. Meanwhile, the use of molecular tool has been promising in identifying the similarity and genetic gap between the varieties from different location. In fact, it is useful in seaweed selection to obtain superior heredity. Genetic resources diversity provides opportunity for breeders to obtain new strains or improved varieties with more desirable characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the similarities between the green and brown morphotypes of Kappaphycus alvarezii that inhabit different sites in Indonesia. The samples were obtained from Pinrang, Lombok, and Madura and 5 primer genomes of PCR were used for DNA isolation. This was achieved by incorporating the modified phenol-chloroform method of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The data were processed in the RAPD instance package version 1.04 supported by UPGMA (unweighted pair group method of arithmetic). These are in one package with sequential, agglomerative, hierarchical, and nested clustering (SHAN), and used to obtain data grouping based on their genetic gap. Also, analysis of the genetic relationship of K. alvarezii originating from different locations shows high gap and variation. Therefore, it was concluded that seaweeds based on their cultivation origin have higher genetic gap than those based on color. For the purpose of breeding, selection should be based on the location rather than color. Furthermore, this study showed that RAPD is effective in identifying variety differences.