Analysis of AGAMOUS Gene Expression in Hibiscus rosasinensis L. Single Pink, Crested Peach, and Double Orange Flowers

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. crested peach and double orange types are different from single pink type regarding their additional petals (petaloid). The petaloid structure is thought to have originated from reproductive organs modification. AGAMOUS is class C gene that plays a role in the formation of androecium and gynoecium. Loss of AGAMOUS gene expression is assumed to be the cause of modifications occur in reproductive organs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the qualitative expression of AGAMOUS gene on single pink, crested peach, and double orange flowers. The expression of AGAMOUS gene was also assessed in leaf organ as a comparison. Analysis of AGAMOUS gene expression was done by isolating RNA from their androecium and gynoecium using the modified CTAB method. The RNA sample was converted to cDNA using reverse transcriptase, before further amplified by PCR technique using AG1 and AG2 primers. The AG1 PCR product produces bands of 100, 200, and 300 bp, while the PCR AG2 produces a single band of 200 bp. The analysis of sequencing results showed that The AGAMOUS gene expressed in all samples. Therefore, petaloids presents in crested peach and double orange flowers are not a result of a loss of AGAMOUS gene expression. The changes of reproductive organs into petaloids should be analyzed not only based on AGAMOUS gene expression but also should include other gene and their interactions.