Phylogenetic Abnalysis of Malaysian Pineapples Cultivars Based on the DNA Sequence of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Region

The phylogenetic study was conducted to determine the phylogenetic status and evolutionary relationships among the nine commercial pineapple cultivars using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Genomic DNA was extracted, and the ITS region was amplified and sequenced. Parsimony analysis revealed that Malaysian cultivars could be classified into two major groups based on the ITS region. The first group comprised of the cultivars Sarawak Green Local, Gandul, and N36 whereas the second group consisted of the cultivars Josapine, Yankee, Morris Bentanggur, Morris Gajah, MD2 and MD2/T. Several combinations of synapomorphic characters (leaf and fruit) support this classification system, suggesting the ITS region has the ability to determine the phylogenetic status and relationships of pineapple cultivars. Since each group has its own similar genetic pattern and presumably certain specific biochemical properties, the relationships of pineapple cultivars revealed in the phylogenetic tree can be used as a basis for successful hybridizations to generate new pineapple cultivars.