Genetic variation in Maturase K (matK) from cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) varieties in Indonesia

Cacao is a major agricultural commodity in Indonesia, yet its development is hindered by limited germplasm collections. In this study, the maturase K gene (matK) was used as a marker to determine patterns of genetic variation in Indonesia’s Trinitario and Forastero cacao varieties, with the results showing that the matK sequence does differentiate the varieties. However, the origin of at least one sample is unclear, as it may have been derived from crosses between the Forastero and Trinitario varieties. Similarly, an additional sample appears to be the result of the introduction of Forastero varieties from England, highlighting the importance of careful germplasm collections and molecular studies to identify contaminants.