The rediscovery of Indigofera longeracemosa Boiv. ex Baill. in Sleman in 2016 has since continued in its cultivation in various regions of Central Java and Yogyakarta. This study explored the molecular characteristics and genetic diversity of I. longeracemosa from Java. The replanting of specimens resulted in 32 accessions that underwent morphological characterization and genetic diversity using ISSR markers. Four accessions, selected for DNA barcoding, helped confirm their identity. Significant morphological variation was evident, particularly in leaf coloration and margins. Notably, samples from Srandakan and Trisik exhibited a deep bluish-green color in fresh leaves, whereas those from Grogol and Lemahireng displayed a bluish-green shade. The dried leaves from Srandakan and Trisik were dark gray, contrasting with the gray leaves from the other two locations. Undulate leaf margins were outstanding in the Srandakan samples. The ITS sequence analysis confirmed the identity of all samples as I. longeracemosa, revealing a closer relationship to Indian specimens than to specimens from Madagascar, differing by one nucleotide at position 408. Genetic diversity assessment indicated greater intrapopulation variation than interpopulation variation, highlighting substantial genetic diversity within I. longeracemosa. This study enhances our understanding of the species’ morphological and genetic characteristics, contributing to its biodiversity and conservation efforts.
I. longeracemosa, Fabaceae, genotypes, molecular markers, phylogenetic, morphological examination, molecular identification
The presented study offers significant insights into species validation utilizing ITS for DNA barcoding in I. longeracemosa. The obtained genetic diversity data will support its conservation and plant breeding initiatives.