Genetic diversity of Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) across geographic areas in Indonesia: Implications for oil palm sustainability

Abstract

Elaeidobius kamerunicus is a well-known insect pollinator of oil palm. The presence of E. kamerunicus directly creates sustainability in oil palm plantations and successfully increase palm oil production in Indonesia. However, recent reports showed that there are morphometric differences across islands that might be due to different selection pressures that might influence the genetic diversity of the weevil. The aim of this research is to study and analyze E. kamerunicus genetic diversity from various locations in Indonesia. Samples were taken using a purposive sampling method from post-anthesis male flowers from 16 regions oil palm centers in Indonesia. Insect DNA amplified by PCR technique using 11 SSR primer. The results showed that some of the SSR markers used were polymorphic. The highest percentage of polymorphic loci is the population of Central Kalimantan, West Java, and Papua. The Population of E. kamerunicus in Indonesia has a close relationship and most of the population does not result from inbreeding. Phylogenetic tree constructed using DARwin formed three groups containing mixtures of five spatial distribution regions (islands). The high PIC value and the formation groups indicate the high genetic diversity of E. kamerunicus in Indonesia.