Traditional plant breeding practices have predominantly relied on phenotypic observations, limiting molecular data availability. Furthermore, previous research on salak species has mainly focused on Salak Pondoh and Salak Gading, leaving Salak Sidimpuan understudied at the molecular level. The presented study sought to examine the genetic diversity of Salak Sidimpuan (Salacca sumatrana Becc.) using phenotypic and molecular approaches in South Tapanuli Regency, Indonesia. Nine samples collected from three major salak-producing districts in Padangsidimpuan—East Angkola, West Angkola, and South Angkola with different altitudes—entailed analysis. The RAPD analysis revealed a polymorphism percentage ranging from 60% to 91%, averaging 81.4%. The primer OPA-13 exhibited the highest polymorphism (91%) with 11 DNA bands, whereas the primer OPA-9 showed the lowest polymorphism (60%) with five DNA bands. The identified genetic characters totaled 38, comprising 32 polymorphic and two monomorphic characteristics. The following findings provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity of Salak Sidimpuan, offering a molecular basis for breeding strategies and conservation for the future.
Salak Sidimpuan (S. sumatrana Becc.), molecular markers, polymorphism, genetic diversity, phenotypic analysis
This study provides information on phenotype and genetic diversity in Salak Sidimpuan (S. sumatrana) plants based on DNA banding patterns using the RAPD method. The genetic diversity indicators based on DNA bands support the diversity at the morphological level of the Salak Sidimpuan.