IPB University Professor Reveals Utilization of Molecular Markers in Insect Diversity Management
Prof Rika Raffiudin, Professor of IPB University from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) revealed that molecular markers can be utilized in insect diversity management. He revealed this in the Pre Scientific Oration of Professor on 8/5 online.
“The utilization of molecular markers using mitochondrial DNA in insect management can describe the separation of insect groups based on their geographical location, especially separating the Wallacea and Non Wallacea regions which can be a marker in that location,” said Prof Rika.
Mitochondrial DNA (DNAmt) has maternally inherited properties that can be used to trace the origin of an organism that is outside its native area. The use of mitochondrial DNA in insects as molecular markers is used because it experiences a higher mutation rate than nuclear DNA,” she explained.
He mentioned that molecular-based insect diversity research in Indonesia has been conducted by the Department of Biology FMIPA IPB University in collaboration with various local agencies and universities. For example, research on green leafhoppers Nephotettix virescens, bees Apis cerana and forest bees Apis dorsata.
“The results of research on green leafhoppers which are vectors of tungro virus in rice plants can distinguish specific genetic variations in Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi. Tracing A. cerana bees that enter Australia can also prove the origin of the location of an insect that enters an area that is not its native area,” explained Prof Rika.
“Molecular markers can strengthen the origin of certain insect species, quickly determine species diversity in an environment, and can even determine the type of pollen in a honey with the metabarcoding method using the rbcl gene (Environmental DNA),” added the Biology Lecturer at FMIPA IPB University.
She revealed, in addition, the application of molecular markers can also be used to study complex species phenomena such as the fruit fly Bactrocera occipitalis which is important in the export of mango fruit. “The fly has morphological characters that are homoplasy, which does not reflect evolution and has different lineages,” said Prof Rika.
“Of course, the utilization of molecular markers is also aimed at achieving global goals for sustainable development or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG number 15 to maintain terrestrial ecosystems through appropriate conservation efforts based on the results of molecular marker tracking. (MW/Lp) (IAAS/NAU)
