Development and Characterization of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers for Genotyping Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser (Kelampayan) and Duabanga moluccana Blume (Sawih)
Efficient management of forest genetic resources whether for genetic improvement or conservation programme requires accurate and rapid assessment of genetic diversity. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) which is genetically co-dominant and multi-allelic has become a major concern recently to better characterise forest genetic diversity and address genetic resources questions. Because of these attributes, SSR markers are currently the excellent markers of choice for comparative genetic and genomic analyses in forest tree species. However, the availability of SSR markers especially for forest tree species is limited thus far due to the high development cost, labour-intensive and time-consuming. Neolamarckia cadamba and Duabanga moluccana are chosen in this study as there are the two out of eight selected fast growing species to be utilized for planted forest development in Sarawak. Despite its desirable wood properties and high economic importance, little genetic information is available of these species to date. Thus, this study will attempt to develop an array of SSR markers for use in genotyping N. cadamba and D. moluccana trees using a dual-suppression-PCR technique. This technique is relatively simple and rapid without enrichment and screening, and requires only basic skill in molecular biology and the time for procedures has been shortened. The characteristics and polymorphisms of each newly developed SSR marker of these species will also be determined. We expect the genetic information generated using these newly developed SSR markers will be a prerequisite/basis for effective selection of plus trees, provenance trials and establishment of forest seed production areas (SPAs) of N. cadambaD. moluccana in the selected forest areas dedicated for planted forest development and genetic improvement activities. and
