Analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) of Artemisia capillaris (wormwood capillary) in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The genetic variability among individuals of Artemisia capillaris from Terengganu and Kelantan, Malaysia was examined by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Samples were collected from different regions in Terengganu and Kelantan State. The genomic DNA was extracted from leaves using Sarkosyl method. The results showed clear RAPD banding pattern. Fifthty-seven oligonucleotide primers were screened and ten primers were selected (OPA 04, OPA 09, OPA 16, OPA 17, OPA 18, OPG 03, OPG 05, OPG 09, OPG 15 and 391) to amplify DNA from ten samples of Artemisia capillaris. A total of 335 (Terengganu) and 370 (Kelantan) RAPD fragments which were all polymorphic fragments (100%) with size ranging from 150-3000 bp were scored for Terengganu samples, while 124 polymorphic fragments (95%) with size ranging from 200-2500 bp were scored for Kelantan samples. Genetic distance for samples ranges from 0.0000 to 0.26000 (Terengganu) and 0.1300 to 1.5300 (Kelantan). Similarity index ranges from 0.0000 to 0.7838 (Terengganu) and 0.1167 to 0.8758 (Kelantan).