Serafinah Indriyani

The role of AUX1 gene and auxin content to the branching phenotype of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.).

The objectives of this research were to identify auxin gene, AUX1, and to determine the plant auxin content and their role in conferring branching on Kenaf. PCR analysis using AUX1 primer capable to amplify the DNA of non branching (KR11) and branching kenaf mutant, resulting in 800 bp PCR product. The sequence of the PCR product showed high degree of homology with the sequence of AUX1 gene of other plants in the NCBI GenBank database, confirming kenaf possession of the gene AUX1. However, some variation on the DNA sequence was found between branching and non branching phenotype indicated allele differences of the same gene which were responsible for the variation in the type of branching. Identification of auxin content in the roots, apical shoot, and axillary branches using spectrophotometry method showed that the branching plant has higher auxin content in the apical shoot compared to the content in the branches. This indicate that AUX1 controls the formation of branches by controlling either the content of auxin in the apical shoot and branches, or the ratio of auxin content in the shoot and branches.

Effect of Cell Density and Benzyl Amino Purine on the Growth of Somatic Embryo of Citrus Mandarin Batu 55 (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) in Liquid Culture

Citrus mandarin Batu 55 ( Citrus reticulata Blanco.) is one of Indonesian fruits commodities that have high economic value and consumers demand. The propagation of citrus mandarin by plant tissue culture generally was carried out on solid medium. The liquid culture system could increase cell multiplication therefore it became alternative method of plant propagation through somatic embryogenesis. The effect of initial cell density and Benzyl Amino Purin (BAP) concentration in liquid media were investigated. The initial cells density and right concentration of BAP given in media can increase cell proliferation of somatic embryo in liquid culture. Globular somatic embryo were cultured on Murashige and Tucker media with initial cell density 4, 6, 8 and 10 mgL -1 and BAP 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mgL -1 . Growth evaluation of somatic embryo were obtained by weighing fresh and dry weight every 2 weeks for 8 weeks for initial cell density treatment and 6 weeks of BAP treatment. The result of the research showed that cell density affect the growth of somatic embryo of citrus mandarin. Somatic embryo with low cell density showed slower growth compared than high cell density. Peak growth occured in 6 th cultured with cell density 10 mgL -1 . In addition to cell density, the growth of somatic embryo in liquid culture was affected by BAP. The growth of somatic embryo on the media containing BAP showed better results than without BAP. The highest BAP concentration on media showed fresh and dry weight of somatic embryo increased. In this research, growth of somatic embryo is not optimal yet because fresh and dry weights of somatic embryo still increase with high concentration 0.75 mgL -1 of BAP. Keywords: Benzyl Amino Purine, cell density, citrus mandarin, liquid medium, somatic embryo.

Ethnobotany of Medicinal Plants in Bromo Tengger Tribe Area, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

The research on use of various plants for medical purposes was undertaken in Tengger tribe area, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (BTSNP). The objectives of the research were to give information about species and potency of medicinal plants. Ethno-direct sampling was done through directly or semi-structural interview to the ordinary peoples, traditional leader and traditional therapist. The result of study showed that there were 98 species of medicinal plants that used by Tengger purwoceng ( Pimpinella pruatjan ), krangean ( Abrus laevigatus ), adas ( Foeniculum vulgare ), kayu ampet ( Astronia macrophylla ), pulosari ( Alyxia reinwardtii ), pronojiwo ( Euchresta horsfieldii ), sempretan, dringu ( Acorus calamus ) dan jamur impes were endemic grow in BTSNP. Tengger tribe did not cultivate the medicinal plants by themselves but seeking it in BTSNP forest.