Discovery of novel haplotypes from wild populations of Kappaphycus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) in the Philippines

As the global demand for carrageenophyte Kappaphycus is steadily increasing, its overall productivity, carrageenan quality, and disease resistance are gradually declining. In face of this dilemma, wild populations viewed as sources new cultivars that could potentially enhance production; therefore, assessment their diversity crucial. This study highlights morphological genetic species obtained from two sites in Philippines. Nucleotide alignments available 5′ region mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI-5P) cox2–3 spacer sequences confirmed presence K. alvarezii Guiuan, Eastern Samar striatus Bolinao, Pangasinan. Based on concatenated COI-5P spacer, nine novel haplotypes were observed along with other published haplotypes. However, there was no relationship between haplotype morphology. These newly recognized indicate a reservoir unutilized genotypes Philippines, which be taken advantage developing superior traits. DNA barcodes generated effectively expand existing databank can provide insights elucidating country. Key words: barcoding; eucheumatoid; diversity; haplotype; alvarezii;