Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) relationship analysis based on morphology character and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Abstract

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) is a tropical plant with many benefits, one of which istraditional medicine. Moreover, noni can grow in all types of climates. Plant diversity is themain key in plant breeding. The existence of a diverse plant makes it easy for breeders toassemble varieties. This study aims to determine the diversity and relationship of nonigermplasm based on morphological characters and RAPD markers. The materials used ten noniaccessions at Cimanggu Research Station, Indonesian Spice and Medicinal Crops ResearchInstitute (ISMCRI), Bogor, West Java. The morphological characters observed were leaflength, leaf width, number of pods, fruit diameter, fruit weight, and number of seeds. Therewere 20 primers used for RAPD. The results showed that morphological characters of leafshape, fruit shape, and the number of seeds could distinguish noni. Molecular analysis showedthat three primers (OPA 9, OPA 17, and OPB 18) could produce polymorphic DNA bands.Based on differences in DNA band patterns, 10 noni accessions were divided into two groups.There is no specific DNA band pattern that distinguishes a total of seeds noni.