Assessment of genetic diversity within eucheumatoid cultivars in east Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract Studies have shown that cultivars of the carrageenophytes Kappaphycus and Eucheuma are clones a limited number strains originally domesticated from wild populations. For development selection new cultivars, it is important comprehensive record available variants exists. This study was conducted to provide up-to-date analysis compilation current state as last list compiled nearly decade ago. The present analyzed cox 2–3 spacer 1 (1356 bp) genetic diversity collected 2019 2020 east coast Sabah where seaweed farms concentrated. These data were compared with reported 2010 2012 assess changes, if any, gene pool farmed eucheumatoid in Malaysia. alvarezii , K. striatus malesianus currently cultivated while denticulatum no longer an cultivar ago, probably due its lower price. Analysis revealed haplotype, LBT10, and, by including published GenBank data, further four previously unnamed haplotypes recognized Sabah. confirms there within Malaysia suggests need for or genetically diverse which can adapt changing environment, ensure more sustainable carrageenan industry.