The position of species and the reconstruction of phylogeny trees of Tahuna nutmeg based on the rbcL gene DNA chloroplast

Abstract

Nutmeg (Myristica sp.) is a plant originating from the Banda archipelago, Maluku, Indonesia. Nutmeg species and diversity of varieties could be assessed by observing morphological and phenotypic variabilities in the field. Secondary metabolites of this plant have a high value because of their benefts for the health, food, and pharmacy industries. The objectives of this research were to obtained position of species and phylogeny trees of Tahuna nutmeg based on rbcL gene DNA chloroplast. Universal rbcL primer pairs were used to amplify 591 bp DNA fragment. BLAST serach from NCBI site showed that Tahuna nutmeg has 99% identity with Mauloutchia chapelieri, Horsfieldia amygdalina, Staudtia kamerunensis, Virola michelii, Virola kwatae and Myristica fragrans. It can be inferred from this study that partial of rbcL gene cannot be used to differentiate species in Myristica; it can only be used to differentiate the genus levelwithin family Myristicaceae.