Sex identification in Nepenthes adrianii from Baturraden Botanical Garden: Genetic analysis using RAPD Markers

Abstract

Nepenthes adrianii is one of the pitcher plant species that grows endemically in Mount Slamet, Central Java. At present, it is one of the pitcher plant collections of Baturraden Botanical Garden. Since N. adrianii is dioecious and both sexes are difficult to distinguish morphologically, early sex determination supporting its conservation at Baturraden Botanical Garden is needed. One approach is performed by utilization of RAPD molecular markers. Hence, this study aims to know whether differences in RAPD patterns between male and female N. adrianii exist and to determine the differences. Genomic DNA were extracted from leaves of four males, two females, and two sexually unidentified individuals. The extracted DNA were then used to analyze DNA variation between male and female N. adrianii employing the RAPD technique. As many as five oligonucleotide primers (OPA-15, OPK-16, OPP-15, OPP-08, and OPO-08) amplify N. adrianii DNA. The results showed that one primer, i.e., OPK-16 (5’GAGCGTCGAA-3’), produces a specific band of approximately 290 bp, which is only found in female plants. This band is assumed to be related to gene(s) controlling sex determination in N. adrianii. Young N. adrianii seedlings can use RAPD marker for sex determination.