GENETIC DIVERSITY OF NEPENTHES GRACILIS IN HEATH FOREST IN SOUTH AND CENTRAL PARTS OF KALIMANTAN

Abstract

Nepenthes gracilis is found in the lowlands in the form of peat swamp forest, heath forests and is widely distributed in Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. The unique characteristics of the plant, potential benefits and threats of declining population of N. gracilis impacted this plant as a conservation priority in the heath forest. Characterization of N. gracilis applied before implementing conservation actions. The conservation approach proceeded by analyzing the genetic diversity of N. gracilis from various types of heath forest. The research object used as genetic material was the leaf part of N. gracilis. The sampling locations of N. gracilis were in the heath forest of Guntung Ujung village, Gambut sub-district, Banjar regency, South Kalimantan (Location 1), heath forest in Tabalong Regency, South Kalimantan (Location 2), heath forest in East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan (Location 3), heath forest of the Nyaru Menteng Arboretum, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan (Location 4). The tools and materials used for genetic analysis with PCR-RAPD markers are divided into several stages of work: DNA extraction, DNA quality and quantity testing, DNA visualization, and data analysis. The results show that OPP-09 and OPBH-20 were the primers with the highest amplification success for N. gracilis plants from the heath forest and the amplification values are 52.5% and 51.25%. The percentages of polymorphism bands were 97.62% and 95.24%, respectively. Disturbed heath forest with open canopy cover showed an indication of low genetic diversity shown by N. gracilis originating from location 1 and location 4 of heath forests and the highest genetic diversity value, and the highest percentage of locus polymorphism value (79%) was shown by N. gracilis location 3 with relatively undisturbed forest cover and classified as old growth. It is crucial to preserve the heath forest cover from damage to maintain high genetic diversity of N. gracilis. Genetic relationships between populations can be a barometer in conservation programs for N. gracilis.