DIVERSITY OF Citrus spp. FROM NORTH PENAJAM PASER REGENCY (IKN), EAST KALIMANTAN, BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS

Abstract

Citrus spp. is a locally grown fruit in Indonesia with high diversity and widespread distribution in the country. However, the diversity and similarities among Citrus spp. from North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, have not been previously studied. Morphological characteristics were used in this study to provide data on the diversity and similarities of Citrus spp. from North Penajam Paser. The data provided served as a primary resource for further development and breeding. Additionally, observation, sampling, morphological data characterization, and scoring were carried out before the data was analyzed. This study identified 35 accessions of Citrus spp., including Citrus × limon (L.) Osbeck "Jeruk Lemon", Citrus reticulata Blanco "Jeruk Siam", Citrus × aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle "Jeruk Nipis", Citrus × aurantium L. "Jeruk Manis", Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. "Jeruk Bali", Citrus × microcarpa Bunge "Jeruk Kalamansi", and Citrus × aurantium L cv. Sweet Orange Group "Jeruk Sunkist", distributed across Penajam, Sepaku, Babulu, and Waru subdistricts. The dendrogram divided the species into two large clusters. Cluster A was based on characteristics, such as tree habitus, cordate leaf apex, entire leaf margin, pink mesocarp color, and the absence of seeds. Meanwhile, Cluster B was characterized by shrub habitus, acute and rounded leaf apex, crenate leaf margin, white to orange mesocarp color, and numerous seeds in the fruit. The diversity indicated the high potential value of Citrus spp. from North Penajam Paser for further development through a plant breeding program.