Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to taxonomically classify “Lubeg”, Philippine Cherry and molecularly identify this indigenous species thru DNA barcoding. Methods: Fresh samples of “Lubeg” leaves, unripe fruits and flowers were collected and submitted to Bureau of Plant Industry, Manila for authentication. The Key to Species of Syzygium Gaertn was used in the taxonomic classification of “Lubeg”. Molecular identification of the species used the plastid DNA (ptDNA) with two genes rbcL and matK, together with ITS 2. Leaf extracts were submitted to Macrogen, South Korea for the complete barcoding of the plant. The procedures were: gDNA extraction, PCR amplification, purification, sequencing and BLAST BI report. Results: “Lubeg”, Philippine Cherry belongs to family Myrtacaea under species Syzygium (Gaertn). It was identified as Syzygium lineatum (Roxb.) (DC.) Merr & Perry.‘Syzygium’ was derived from the Greek term ‘syzygos,’ meaning the paired leaves are opposite in arrangement and ‘lineatum’ means stripes, netted veins on the leaves. The amplification was only successful using the rbcL gene and furthermore, based on the sequences, the plant sample belongs to the genus Syzygium. It was noted that this was the first sequence of Syzygium lineatum under the rbcL gene. Using the phylogenetic tree, the “Lubeg” sequence is closest to Syzygium malaccense, and the out-group is Eucalyptus globulus. Improvements: The process of DNA barcoding with the same DNA markers be carried out with the same plant species to further verify the result of this study

Keywords: DNA Barcoding, “Lubeg”, Molecular Identification, Taxonomic Classification