Abstract:
Ramin is timber plant with high demand in furniture industries because it has good wood
and fiber texture. The high selling prices and market demand has led to increase illegal
logging, consequently ramin population will be endangered. Therefore, it is necessary to
study the genetic diversity as one of the conservation effort of ramin using biochemical
markers. This study was aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of ramin (Gonystylus
bancanus Miq. Kurz) in Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu Bengkalis biosphere reserves using an
isozymes technique. Isozyme analysis was performed using the horizontal model of starch
gel electrophoresis. A total of 50 individual ramins were used for analyzing the isozyme
banding patterns using one enzyme namely peroxidase (PER). The result showed clear
banding patterns. PER enzyme produced twelve banding patterns and migrated to the
anode (positive) and cathode (negative) poles. SAHN clustering analysis using UPGMA
method showed that all of the individuals of ramin were clustered with the similarity
coefficient of 38% and separated into two groups (I and II). All of the members of first
cluster were grouped with the similarity coefficient 61%, while the second cluster members
were grouped with similarity coefficient 55%. This data indicated that the genetic diversity
of ramin in biosphere reserves Giam Siak Kecil-Bukit Batu Bengkalis Regency of Riau
Province was quite high
