Microsatellite markers development for Indonesian nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) and transferability to other Myristicaceae spp.

Abstract

Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae) is a tropical evergreen tree that yields the two famous spices: nutmeg and mace. Despite its socio-economic importance, the spatial distribution of its genetic diversity is barely documented. In this aim, 48 nuclear microsatellite markers were isolated of which 14 were polymorphic in M. fragrans. Number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6. The level of observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.038 to 0.929 across loci. Transferability of these microsatellites in other Myristica species (M. fatua, M. argentea, and M. crassipes) and Myristicaceae species (Horsfieldia palauensis) was tested and successful. These new microsatellites will be useful for future investigation on genetic diversity and population structure of M. fragrans and phylogenetically-related species.