Cross-specific amplification of microsatellite DNA markers in Shorea platyclados

In the megadiverse forests of Southeast Asia, hundreds of timber species are economically important but the population genetics of only a few taxa are known. Cross-specific amplification of microsatellite loci among closely related taxa could enhance our ability to study and manage previously unstudied species. We successfully utilized STMS markers in Shorea platyclados, originally developed for Shorea curtisii. The six primer pairs we tried successfully produced PCR products of expected sizes. The number of alleles observed ranged from 10 to 14 and an average of 12 alleles were detected per locus. A high expected and observed heterozygosity was observed and it ranges from 0.718 to 0.827 among all populations across all six loci tested. Microsatellite DNA markers are highly polymorphic, co-dominant, reproducible, and amenable to high throughput genetic analyses. Overall, the cross-specific amplification of microsatellite loci appears to be complicated by numerous factors. While the approach may be effective for local management and conservation of poorly known species, the results must be carefully interpreted.