Community Structure of Dragonfly (Ordo: Odonata) in Natural Forest and Tourist Sites Petungkriyono Forest, Central Java, Indonesia

Petungkriyono forest is a tropical rainforest with high biodiversity. The increasing tourism activities in Petungkriyono lead to land conversion. Dragonfly (order Odonata) is a good bioindicator for aquatic and terrestrial. This study aimed to compare the community structure of Odonata in natural forests and tourist sites. The method of collecting imago Odonata was done by direct searching, samples were captured using sweep netting. The results showed that the dragonflies found in all locations consisted of the same family, 2 families (Gomphidae and Libellulidae) from the suborder Anisoptera and 6 families (Calopterygidae, Chlorocyphidae, Coenagrionidae, Euphaidae Platycnemididae, and Platystictidae) from the suborder Zygoptera. The total species of dragonflies found in Sokokembang were 15 species with a total of 293 individuals, Tirta Muncar 13 species of 287 individuals, Karanggondang 17 species of 276 individuals, and Curug Lawe 14 species of 242 individuals. The highest relative abundance of individuals was in the natural forest of Sokokembang is Drepanosticta spatulifera (26.28%) and in Karanggondang Vestalis luctuosa (24.64%), while in the tourist forests of Tirta Muncar and Curug Lawe were Euphaea variegata (34.84% and 28.51 %). The structure of the Odonata community is based on the Shannon-Wiener diversity index in the natural forests of Sokokembang (2.18) and Karanggondang (2.21) at the tourist sites of Tirta Muncar (1.84) and Curug Lawe (2.11). The results showed that the structure of the Odonata community based on the level of the diversity index value, evenness index, and dominance index in natural forests and tourist sites in Petungkriyono forest was not significantly different.

Identification of ISSR-based Molecular Markers Associated with Ploidy Level of Orange Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai)

Indonesia is an agrarian country whose territory is partly used as an agricultural sector, has especially watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai). At present, the development of watermelons in Indonesia still requires a variety of colors, superior watermelons need to be developed by making triploid orange watermelons. The new watermelon cultivar (F₁) is the result of crossing 'Jelita' (♀) and 'BallyBall' (♂) which are expected to provide a combination of characters that can produce large and sweet fruits. The purpose of this study was to identify ISSR markers that were associated with ploidy levels of horticultural crops, particularly watermelon. The watermelons were growns on the agricultural land of Kebondalem Hamlet, Madurejo Village, Prambanan District, D.I.Y. and analyzed at the Laboratory of Biotechnology PAU, UGM and Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology UGM. Analysis of genetic variation was carried out using the PCR-ISSR method and the DNA bandwidth was calculated using Paint Apps, Microsoft Excel 2013, and Microsoft Word 2013. The results of crossing 'Jelita' and 'King Quality 'is sterile. The result of 'Jelita' with 'BallyBall' produces tillers until sterile harvest time. The results of the analysis of genetic variation using the PCR-ISSR method indicate that the ISSR BI, B3, B5, and CBTC 1 molecular markers cannot be used to distinguish ploidy from the tested watermelons.

Rafflesia patma Blume in Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve, West Java: Population Structure, Distribution Patterns, and Environmental Influences

Rafflesia patma is an endemic plant of Pangandaran, West Java which is protected because of its rare status. The purpose of this research is to study the population structure, distribution patterns, and the effect of the physical environment of abundance R. patma in Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve, West Java. The method used in this research was a survey method with a purposive sampling technique. Sampling was conducted using quadrat plots. The population pattern distribution was defined by a standardized Morisita index, and the analysis of abiotic environmental factors was determined by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using PAST3. The results showed that there were 114 R. patma individuals scattered in several research areas in Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve, they were Gua Parat (3 individuals), Cilegon (13 individuals), Pasir Putih (12 individuals), Badeto (48 individuals), and Curug Leutik (38 individuals). The distribution pattern of R. patma in Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve was clustered with the Morisita index value (Id) > 1. Based on the PCA analysis, results that support the classification of the cluster analysis were obtained. Based on four abiotic environmental conditions analyzed, the most dominant character in influencing the distribution patterns and population structure of R. patma is light intensity.

Detection of Knockdown-Resistance Mutations (V1016G and F1534C) in Dengue Vector from Urban Park, Surabaya, Indonesia

An urban park is potentially a source of vector-borne disease transmission due to it being a natural and artificial mosquito breeding habitats combined with people's continuous presence. Thus, this study aims to screen the occurrence of knockdown-resistance (kdr) mutant alleles (V1016G and F1534C) in mosquito populations collected from urban parks in Surabaya, Indonesia. Cross sectional study was conducted in July 2019. A total of 28 ovitraps were installed in seven urban parks, having four ovitraps installed in each park. In total, 1,662 eggs were collected, and only 187 emerged into adult mosquitoes, consisting of 97 Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and 90 Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus. All-female adult mosquitoes (n=55) were tested using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assay (AS-PCR) to detect voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene mutations. This study found no mutations in Valine to Glysine mutation in point 1016 (V1016G) and Phenylalanine to Cysteine in point 1534 (F1534C) alleles in both two species. All of mosquito samples have wild type genotype of kdr alleles (V1016V and F1534F). Data were analysed using R Studio 1.4 Version by Genetics package. Results showed that the frequency of resistant alleles (G1016 and C1534) was zero, and the frequency of susceptible allele was 1 (V1016 and F1534). Insecticide bioassay could not be established due to the limited number of adult mosquitoes, so insecticide resistance status could not be determined. However, this study can be used as preliminary monitoring for the vector control program.

Morphological, Histological, and Protein Profiling of Tea Embryo Axis at Early Stage of Culture

Tissue culture is an alternative choice of plant propagation either through somatic embryogenesis or in vitro organogenesis techniques. TRI2025 tea clone has been cultured successfully, however, the scientific information related to morphology, histology, and protein profile at an early event of culturing time has not been reported yet. This study aimed to determine the differences between those pathways, in the context of morphology, histology, and protein profile. The explants were the embryo axis of TRI2025 tea clone cultured on two different induction mediums; somatic embryogenesis and in vitro organogenesis induction medium. The results showed that most of the explants cultured on A medium developed to be a globular-like structure at 11-day after culture (DAC), while all explants cultured on B medium showed the initiation stage of in vitro organogenesis. Histological analysis showed meristem reconstruction at shoot apical meristem (SAM) and root apical meristem (RAM) at 11-DAC at explants cultured on B medium, while explants cultured on A medium showed callusing at 21-DAC. Protein profile analysis using SDS-PAGE showed protein bands of 54 and 81 KDa that only appeared at explants cultured on A medium start from 14-DAC, and those two protein bands thought to be a differentiator at the early stages of the two tissue culture techniques. Thus, these parameters can be used as early detection for plant tissue culture, especially in tea.

Molecular Identification of Mudskipper Fish (Periophthalmus spp.) from Baros Beach, Bantul, Yogyakarta

Mudskipper fish is amphibious fish belonging to the family Gobiidae. Coastal communities widely consume mudskipper to meet their animal protein needs. Mudskipper is primarily cryptic species that are morphologically difficult to identify and distinguish from other mudskipper fish species. Consequently, it can be confused with the naming of mudskipper fish species and can affect the conservation efforts of the fish in their habitat. One of the molecular approaches that can be used to identify the fish species quickly and accurately is DNA barcoding using the COI mitochondrial gene. However, the research on the identification of mudskipper fish in Indonesia is still very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify 26 mudskipper fish from Baros Beach, Bantul, Yogyakarta, using COI mitochondrial gene as a molecular marker for DNA barcoding. The method used in this study was a PCR method with universal primers, FishF2 and FishR2. The data obtained were then analyzed using GeneStudio, DNASTAR, BLAST, Identification Engine, Mesquite, MEGAX, and BEAST. The analysis was conducted to obtain similarity, genetic distance and reconstruct a phylogenetic tree. The result revealed that all 26 samples of mudskippers collected from Baros Beach were identified in one genus, namely Periophthalmus, and consisted of 3 species, namely P. kalolo (16 samples), P. argentilineatus (9 samples), and P. novemradiatus (1 sample). Furthermore, this study also discovered a suspected cryptic species in P. argentilineatus with a genetic distance of 5.46-5.96% between clade E, F compared with clade G. Further morphological studies are needed to confirm the species status of these three clades before solidly proclaim that they are cryptic species.

Effect of Iron Toxicity on the Growth of Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena leucocephala Seedlings

Iron (Fe) is a micro essential needed by plants in small amounts and can be toxic when available in large quantities. This study aimed to evaluate how Fe exposure affects the growth of C. callothyrsus and L. leucocephala seedlings. This study used a completely randomized design with factorial, where the first factor consisted of two levels of seedlings (C. calothyrsus and L. leucocephala), and the second factor consisted of Fe concentration which consisted of 8 levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 mM). The results showed that treatment of seedlings species and concentration of Fe was able to significantly affect the growth parameters (height, root length, root dry weight, shoots, and plant dry weight) of seedlings. The control treatment (without Fe) showed the highest growth response compared to those treated with Fe exposure and an increase in Fe concentration was able to reduce all growth parameters in both seedlings. The 0.5 mM Fe concentration reduced all growth parameters of C. calothyrsus drastically, while in L. leucocephala, the Fe 0.75 concentration was able to decrease all growth parameters drastically. The tolerance index of both seedlings decreased with increasing Fe concentration. The rate of photosynthesis did not show a significant difference between treatments, meanwhile, it had a significant effect on chlorophyll affect chlorophyll (a, b, and total chlorophyll) and carotenoid content. The highest Fe content in C. calothyrsus seedlings was at a concentration of 1.5 mM (4.40%), while in L. leucocephala seedlings, the highest Fe content was at 1.7 mM (2.87%).

Astaxanthin-Producing Microalgae Identification Using 18S rRNA : Isolates from Bangkalan Mangrove Waters and Sowan Tuban Northern Waters, East Java, Indonesia

Microalgae are a group of micro-sized photosynthetic organisms that range from prokaryotic cyanobacteria to eukaryotic algae. Microalgae are widely used as a source of natural food, cosmetic ingredients, food ingredients, and a source of pigments. This study aims to identify species of four microalgae isolates named B1, B2, B3, and S2 from Bangkalan Mangrove Waters and Sowan Tuban Northern Waters, and to determine their astaxanthin pigment concentration under 1 M NaCl. Species identification was carried out through a molecular approach by utilization of an 18S rRNA gene marker. A quantitative test of astaxanthin concentration was carried out by spectrophotometric analysis. Molecular identification results show that isolates B1 and B3 are closely related to Chlorella sp., while isolates B2 and S2 are closely related to Picochlorum maculatum. Moreover, under salinity stress condition of 1 M NaCl shown a significant decrement of astaxanthin production compared to the control treatment. At 1 M NaCl, the astaxanthin content of isolate B1 was 4x10-5 mgL-1, isolate B2 was 2x10-5 mgL-1, isolate B3 was 1x10-5 mgL-1, and isolate S2 was 6x10-6 mgL-1. All in all, isolate S2 has the highest astaxanthin among the other isolates at normal conditions, while under salt stress regime, isolate B1 shown to be the best source for astaxanthin.

Shallow-water Sponges from a High-sedimentation Estuarine Bay (Brunei, Northwest Borneo, Southeast Asia)

Tropical estuaries are important habitats for invertebrates including sponges, a group of marine organisms that fulfill significant ecological roles and provide ecosystem services. Here, we describe the sponge fauna from Pulau Bedukang, a small island in a turbid, variable salinity, acidified and eutrophic estuarine bay (Brunei Darussalam, northwest Borneo). We present records for 14 morphological species (OTUs). Six of these species belong to the Haplosclerida, an order of shallow-water sponges that usually tolerate more variable and extreme physical conditions. Our baseline data contribute to the regional biogeography of sponges and present a reference source for ecological studies on marine animals inhabiting variable estuarine environments. This is the first known record of sponges from the northwest Bornean region of the South China Sea that are not associated with a coral ecosystem; other studies have concerned Singapore, peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, southern China, and Taiwan.

Seedling Diversity Considerably Changes Near Localities in Three Salinity Zones of Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, Bangladesh

The status of natural seedlings near localities in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest was assessed through a stratified random sampling method to observe seedling composition and diversity, importance value index, family importance value, and species evenness. A total of 63 sample plots of 3,990 m2 area were surveyed in three natural and anthropogenic influenced salinity zones of Sundarbans. A total of 16,166 seedlings of 15 species under 12 families were found. Family Euphorbiaceae showed the highest (59.59%) family relative density and Rhizophoraceae presented the highest (20%) family relative diversity Index (FRDI). The maximum family importance value (FIV) showed by Euphorbiaceae (66.26) and the maximum importance value index (IVI) of species has been observed in Excoecaria agallocha (114.74). Excoecaria agallocha showed the highest relative density (59.6%) and relative abundance (39.87%) where the highest relative frequency (15.27%) was observed by Heritiera fomes. The mean stem density and species diversity index in the whole survey area was 2701 stem ha-1 and 0.0009 correspondingly. The Shannon-Wienner's diversity index was 1.52 where the maximum Shannon-Wienner's diversity index was 2.708. The Simpson's diversity index and Dominance of Simpson index were 0.38 and 0.62 with Simpson's reciprocal index 2.632. The Species evenness index, Menhinick’s, and Margalef's indices were 0.561, 0.118, and 1.445 respectively. The Species diversity index of the three salinity zones were 0.0017, 0.0029, and 0.0035 respectively. The Shannon-Wienner's diversity index of Low Salinity Zone (LSZ), Moderate Salinity Zone (MSZ), and Strong Salinity Zone (SSZ) were 0.887, 1.369, and 1.845 correspondingly where LSZ (0.632) showed the highest Simpson's diversity index follow ed by MSZ (0.394) and SSZ (0.21). The Species evenness index for LSZ, MSZ, and SSZ were 0.346, 0.505, and 0.742 where Menhinick’s Index were 0.148, 0.210, and 0.207 respectively. The analysis showed poor diversity indices and the area was dominated by few species with few families. The status is also reduced with increasing salinity.