Development of Catalase Gene Nuclear DNA-Based Marker for Population Genetic Analysis in Thai Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.)

ABSTRACT The teak Catalase gene was amplified and cloned using consensus PCR primers designed based on sequences from other plant species. The obtained teak Cat DNA sequences were used to develop specific primers. The specific primer set could successfully amplify a specific DNA fragment from teak in all populations studied. Using PCR-SSCP, 5 different alleles were detected. The tested nuclear gene primer set had considerable potential as a DNA marker for population analysis in teak. This approach could be used to specifically amplify fragments in other plant species and applied to study evolution, population genetics, outcrossing rate and mating patterns

Tropical and subtropical Asia's valued tree species under threat

Tree diversity in Asia's tropical and subtropical forests is central to nature-based solutions. Species vulnerability to multiple threats, which affects the provision of ecosystem services, is poorly understood. We conducted a region-wide, spatially explicit vulnerability assessment (including overexploitation, fire, overgrazing, habitat conversion, and climate change) of 63 socio-economically important tree species selected from national priority lists and validated by an expert network representing 20 countries. Overall, 74% of the most important areas for conservation of these trees fall outside of protected areas, with species severely threatened across 47% of their native ranges. The most imminent threats are overexploitation and habitat conversion, with populations being severely threatened in an average of 24% and 16% of their distribution areas. Optimistically, our results predict relatively limited overall climate change impacts, however, some of the study species are likely to lose more than 15% of their habitat by 2050 because of climate change. We pinpoint specific natural forest areas in Malaysia and Indonesia (Borneo) as hotspots for on-site conservation of forest genetic resources, more than 82% of which do not currently fall within designated protected areas. We also identify degraded lands in Indonesia (Sumatra) as priorities for restoration where planting or assisted natural regeneration will help maintain these species into the future, while croplands in Southern India are highlighted as potentially important agroforestry options. Our study highlights the need for regionally coordinated action for effective conservation and restoration

Isolation and Analysis of DNA Fragment of Genes Related to Kopyor Trait in Coconut Plant

Kopyor coconut is a natural mutant that has abnormal endosperm development. For the first time several genes that were suspected to be related to kopyor trait were identified based on the chemical compounds of the endosperm that different from that of normal coconut. Sucrose synthase (SUS), Stearoyl acyl carrier protein desaturase (SACPD), and Absicid acid insensitive (ABI) genes were isolated and analyzed. Four DNA fragments with length of 746, 738, 780, and 687 bp (CnSus1A, CnSus1B, CnSus2A, and CnSus2B) were obtained from SUS gene. Sequence analysis at DNA and amino acid level showed that CnSus1A, CnSus1B, CnSus2A, and CnSus2B were classified into monocot SUS group with nongrass SUS type. Isolation of SACPD gene resulted in one DNA fragment with DNA length of 716 bp. CnSacpd shared a high homology with SACPD gene of oil palm and soybean. Isolation of ABI gene resulted in two DNA fragments, CnAbi3A and CnAbi3B, with DNA length of 760 and 728 bp, respectively. CnAbi3A and CnAbi3B showed a high homology with ABI3 gene of several plants. All DNA fragment obtained from SUS, SACPD, ABI genes were used as templates to design spesific markers for each corresponding gene. There were 7 specific primer sets designed, i.e., CnSUS1A, CnSUS1B, CnSUS2A, CnSUS2B, CnSACPD, CnABI3A, and CnABI3B.

Developing know-how for the improvement and sustainable management of teak genetic resources

The project had the following objectives: To trace and quantify genetic diversity of teak within its natural range, DNA markers were used to assay the current distribution of genetic diversity within and between populations, investigate its mating system and establish historical migration patterns. To evaluate the amount of contemporary gene flow through pollen and seed, hypervariable microsatellite DNA markers have been developed for parentage analysis. The molecular work was complemented by field observations of teak flower insect pollinators. To assess the influence of human disturbance, the genetic diversity in teak forests that have been undisturbed, lightly or heavily disturbed have been assessed and compared for both population genetic diversity and contemporary gene flow processes

Cytogenetics of structural rearrangements in Musa hybrids and cultivars

Edible bananas are diploid or triploid Musa acuminata, or hybrids of M. acuminata x M. balbisi-ana, producing nutritious seedless fruit of different taste and structure. Breeding for high yield and host plant resistance to pathogens and pests as well as adaptation to abiotic stress of im-portant cultivars is challenging because of seedless and parthenocarpic fruit. In addition, cross-ings and selections of diploid cultivars and wild relatives are severely hampered by transloca-tions and inversions that are widespread in the M. acuminata populations. In this study we pre-sent an overview of cytogenetics, genetics and genomics research carried out to elucidate the meiotic chromosome behaviour in the hybrids and the mapping of genes, and to analyse the dif-ferent classes of DNA sequences in the banana genomes. Finally, we illustrate cytogenetic and linkage mapping of a diploid M. acuminata ssp. malaccensis using the diploid M. acuminata ‘Pa-hang’ as a genome reference and focus on the occurrence of structural rearrangements

Site requirements of the endangered rosewood Dalbergia oliveri in a tropical deciduous forest in northern Thailand

Planting native trees may complement and accelerate natural regeneration and support recovery of biodiversity in degraded forests. Before planting trees, however, there is a need for species-specific site selection criteria. This study investigates the site requirements of a valuable but endangered rosewood species, Dalbergia oliveri, with the purpose of restoring degraded deciduous forest in northern Thailand.status: publishe

Occurrence data for native Asian tree species gathered during the APFORGIS project

This dataset has occurrence data of 63 tree species gathered during the APFORGIS project “Establishing an Information System for conserving native tree species and their genetic resources in Asia-Pacific”. It includes information from 24 countries and covers the period since 1952 to 2019