Matoa (Pometia pinnata), comprising three cultivars, i.e., green matoa (Emme Anokhong), yellow matoa (Emme Khabelaw), and red matoa (Emme Bhanggahe), belongs to the family Sapindaceae. The three cultivars have similar morphological characteristics. However, the analysis of DNA banding patterns can provide information on the genetic diversity of matoa. The presented research sought to examine the genetic diversity of matoa based on the DNA banding pattern of green, yellow, and red matoa using the RAPD technique. DNA isolated from green, yellow, and red matoa leaves’ amplification used the RAPD method with primers OPA 19, OPB 15, OPD 08, OPD 11, and OPD 13. The results showed that green and yellow matoa had a closer genetic similarity, with a coefficient of 0.698. The most distant genetic similarity came from yellow and red matoa, with a coefficient of 0.566. The number and pattern of DNA bands produced from each primer occurred at different loci among the one and other cultivars.
DNA amplification, DNA isolation, genetic similarity, matoa (Pometia pinnata), polymorphism, RAPD primers
The study described the genetic diversity in matoa based on the DNA banding pattern using the RAPD method. The results can serve as an indicator of genetic diversity from DNA bands and support diversity at the morphological level. The research result can help support agricultural production.