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

Abstrak

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) is a tropical plant with many benefits, one of which is
traditional medicine. Moreover, noni can grow in all types of climates. Plant diversity is the
main key in plant breeding. The existence of a diverse plant makes it easy for breeders to
assemble varieties. This study aims to determine the diversity and relationship of noni
germplasm based on morphological characters and RAPD markers. The materials used ten noni
accessions at Cimanggu Research Station, Indonesian Spice and Medicinal Crops Research
Institute (ISMCRI), Bogor, West Java. The morphological characters observed were leaf
length, leaf width, number of pods, fruit diameter, fruit weight, and number of seeds. There
were 20 primers used for RAPD. The results showed that morphological characters of leaf
shape, fruit shape, and the number of seeds could distinguish noni. Molecular analysis showed
that 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.