GENETIC VARIATION OF FEI BANANA (MUSA TROGLODYTARUM L.) IN MALUKU ISLANDS USING RAPD MARKERS

Fei banana (Musa troglodytarum L.) is the only species found in the Maluku and Papua islands of East Indonesia. Distribution in Maluku is throughout Ambon, Haruku, Saparua, Nusalaut, and Seram islands. This banana is unique because it has an erect bunch, is classified as a cooking banana, and serves as a medicine. Genetic variation determination is the chief parameter for the conservation of genetic resources of Fei banana and its utilization in hybridization programs. However, there exists limited available genetic data on Fei banana in Maluku. Therefore, the study is crucial for gathering such information to help its improvement in the future. This research purposed to analyze the genetic variation of Fei bananas using RAPD markers. The RAPD profiles for eight different populations, generated with 12 random primers, revealed various levels of polymorphism. The results showed these primers generated 128 DNA fragments, where 16 were polymorphic, averaging 90–900 pb. The overall range of similarity among eight banana populations was narrow, ranging from 8.385 to 9.692, indicating a low genetic variation among Fei banana populations under study.