The use of RAPD marker of gambier's breeding program

Abstract

Low productivity is one of the problems faced by farmers in gambier (Uncaria gambir) plants cultivation. This problem is mainly caused by the use of low yield gambir cultivars. Although breeding effort has been initiated since several years ago, no significant result has been achieved until now. This is due to inadequacy of molecular investigations in this species. Molecular aspects are commonly related with protocol for DNA preparation and molecular markers which are important so that it will speed up the breeding program. The objectives of the research were to optimize the DNA isolation procedures using different protocol and type of materials, to optimize DNA amplification procedures, and (3) to find out RAPD primers indicating high level of polymorphisms. The research was done from May to November 2009 in the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University. DNA isolation procedure and type of materials were assessed. DNA isolation was performed using four different protocols. Type of materials tested consisted of seven treatments. Optimizing PCR condition and RAPD primer selection delivered basic information of optimum PCR condition. A number of 50 RAPD primers were randomly selected. The results recommended the application of CTAB-based method protocol, using young meristem leaves for DNA isolation.