Isolation and characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for Pinus merkusii

Pinus merkusii is an important tree native to Southeast Asia. Thirteen tetranucleotide microsatellite makers were developed from this species using a dual-suppression polymerase chain reaction technique. Of these markers, nine loci were polymorphic. The mean number of alleles per locus was 3. 18 (range 2-5) and mean expected heterozygosities were 0. 525 (range 0. 384-0. 712). These microsatellite markers will be available to assess the genetic diversity, mating patterns and population structure which will facilitate conservation and management strategies.