Genetic diversity information of seagrass Enhalus acoroides and Cymodocea rotundata for the local genetic conservation at North Maluku

Abstract

This study is aimed at analyzing the molecular identification and the level of the genetic diversity of seagrass species as a basis information for the local genetic conservation. Sampling of both species, Enhalus acoroides and Cymodocea rotundata, was carried out at four small islands at North Maluku, namely Hiri, Ternate, Maitara, and Tidore Island. Locus used in genetic analysis is the chloroplast genome (rbcL and matK). The results of this work indicated that the rbcL genetic marker were able to identify species well but were low in discrimination and divergence of species, thus is not give the good results for genetic diversity level. Conversely, matK genetic marker, although a little weak in identifying species, have good results in the discrimination and divergence of species. matK genetic marker were able to provide a description of genetic diversity level. The results of this study found that the level of genetic diversity of E. acoroides (Hn: 13; Hd: 0.862; π: 0.273) and C. rotundata (Hn: 19; Hd: 0.975; π 0.119) were higher at Tidore Island compared to the three others. This indicated that the high genetic diversity at Tidore Island can be used as a basis for local genetic conservation and maintenance of biodiversity.