DNA barcoding of “Sibujing” (Allium chinense G.Don) accessions from Mindanao, Philippines

Through an integrative taxonomic approach encompassing morphological, phytochemical, and molecular analyses, Mindanao’s famous “Sibujing” was conclusively identified as Allium chinense G.Don in 2023. The initial molecular analyses of “Sibujing” were predominantly based on nucleotide sequences from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, with sampling limited to few localities. To broaden the scope of the molecular assessment, maturase K (matK) region was subsequently utilized to validate the identity of “Sibujing” samples from three major cultivation sites in Mindanao. The matK gene was utilized because of its effective species discrimination power, high quality sequence recovery and simple laboratory procedures. The “Sibujing” accessions from (1) Amai Manabilang, Lanao Del Sur (2) Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, and (3) Rangayen, Alamada, Cotabato were molecularly identified as A. chinense based on their matK partial gene sequences The result coincides with the previous molecular identification report of this Allium species in the Philippines. The findings of this research contribute to the ongoing efforts to resolve the taxonomic ambiguities involving “Sibujing” in the country.