Genetic Diversity of Castor Bean (Ricinus Communis L.) Germplasm from Indonesia and Neighboring Countries Through Morphological Marker

Genetic diversity of the castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) from Indonesia and neighboring countries were evaluated based on morphological and agronomic characters during vegetative and generative growth phases in the field at the time of exploration. This study aimed to identify variation between castor bean germplasm from Indonesia and neighboring countries assessed by morphological markers. Exploration was carried outin three provinces namely West Java, East Java and West Nusa Tenggara. Castor bean acquired from neighboring countries was germplasm belonging to PT. Better Earth Green Energy, a company in West Nusa Tenggara. The results of exploration obtained 56 castor bean accessions. Observation showed that 56 accessions had morphological characters with high variability. Petiole length is the characters that has the most extensive range value (50). Variability value reaches 98. A dendogram of qualitative morphological characters showed that at 72 similarity levels, the 56 accessions could be classified into three main groups. This indicated that the genetic diversity of castor bean accessions observed is low. Genetic transformation and mutation are ways to increasegenetic variation of castor beans. Proceeding of International Conference of Indonesia Forestry Researchers. Jakarta, August 27 – 28, 2013. Hal. 318-323 ISBN 978-979-8452-62-8