Biodiversity conservation in Malaysia: Application of DNA marker technology for precise genotype identification of plants

A DNA marker database has been developed for compliance and management of biodiversity genetic resources in Malaysia through population genetic polymorphism studies of plant species that needs protection and taxonomic level studies to clarify the evolutional history of species. A combination of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) and microsatellites-primed PCR (MP-PCR) techniques were employed as tools for precise genotype identification. These methods are based on polymerase DNA chain reaction involving arbitrarily small oligonucleotides and microsatellites primers which involves the study of DNA loci with the aid of selected single primers that identify complementary sites in both DNA chains. The methods allow analysis of not only the unique. but also the non-coding DNA portion. The products of these applications were highly polymorphic band patterns that could be used as genetic fingerprints to identify plants precisely for their commercial exploitation as well as conservation. It could also identify the taxonomy of species and charactenze the genetic structure of populations including the rare and unknown plant species. Realizing the importance to protect the genetic resources in plants, this project was initiated to cover herbal pants in Malaysia. This project has established optimized DNA Marker protocols to be used as a tool in plants identification. We have successfully Identified 688 plants accessions from DNA markers and population studies. The distinctive DNA band patterns provide important baseline data for conservation and collection strategies for plants. Our study showed that both techniques were rapid and reliable for precise identification of plants. DNA-based marker profiles were developed for a total number of 688 plants accessions and 12 SCAR fragments (sequence characterizes amplified region based-RAPD), Out of these, 169 plants varieties are from 46 species, and a total number of 395 species with 347 genera. This project helps in, i) documentation of plants which have high economic value, ii) providing molecular descriptors for species/variety/cultivar/accessions identification, iii) utilization as national reference for variety/species protection, Iv) building database references which is useful in plants forensics investigation and vi) classification and IP protection for plants. vii) help to fight biopiracy issues, viii) proper documentation of natural resources at DNA leveL The outcome of this study indicated that both RAPD-PCR and MP-PCR combined techniques IS useful tool for identification of germplasm analysis and genetic relationship between and within the plant species. The reasonable diversity observed in this study may be exploited for further genetic improvement and biodiversity conservation of our natural resources and protection of its genetic resources.