Development of microsatellite markers in the oil-producing species Vernicia fordii (Euphorbiaceae), a potential biodiesel feedstock(1)

• Premise of the study: Tung tree, Vernicia fordii, is native to China. Little has been done on genetics and breeding at the molecular level in this species, let alone utilizing microsatellite (simple sequence repeat [SSR]) markers. Therefore, a set of SSR molecular markers was developed for studies on molecular genetics and breeding in tung tree. • Methods and Results: We designed 78 SSR markers using a protocol based on the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Assessed in 81 V. fordii accessions, 40 of these markers were polymorphic and 12 of them showed monomorphism. When tested using six V. montana accessions, 52 of the markers were capable of PCR amplification and 25 were polymorphic. • Conclusions: The newly developed SSR markers are effective and helpful in the evaluation of genetic germplasm and molecular breeding in tung tree.