GENETIC DIVERSITY OF BAK-KALA (ETLINGERA ELATIOR (JACK) R.M. SM.) IN ACEH PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Abstract

Torch ginger – bak-kala (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.SM.) already has been proven an effective traditional medicine by tribes in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Solid primary evidence for the torch ginger, bak-kala’s medicinal properties include the healing effects experienced by the traditional tribes in Aceh, when treated for illnesses, such as, cough, fever, and sprains. Likewise, it has been proven to be a use for food ingredients, i.e., vegetables and spices to enhance the taste of food. Much of the available documented information focused on its biochemical and pharmacological aspects. Even though the utilization of bak-kala resources is mainly at the level of diversity, there is no information on its genetic diversity in Aceh. The high intensity of bak-kala utilization is not simultaneous with information on its genetic diversity. On the other hand, many uses of bak-kala are specific for certain accessions with particular benefits. The study aimed to create a classification system for bak-kala variations based on inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers and to provide information on the genetic diversity of bak-kala in Aceh Province. The 35 accessions were divided into eight populations based on the geographical locations from which they were collected. Data were recorded and analyzed using 10 ISSR primers with 77 total bands. The molecular characters divided the accessions into four major groups. As revealed by expected heterozygosity (He), genetic variability among the population showed that the Simeulu population possessed a greater level of variability than other populations. The results of the analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) showed that the genetic variation within the population was higher (60%) than the genetic variation among populations (40%). The studies can be used to plan conservation strategies, optimal utilization of the species, and crop improvement programs in the future.