Cross-genera transferability of (simple sequence repeat) SSR markers among cassava (Manihotesculenta crantz), rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis muell. Arg.) and physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.)

Cross-genera transferability of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers among three economically important plants of family Euphorbiaceae has been proposed. A set of SSR loci generated from cassava (199), rubber tree (49) and physic nut (42) were used to determine transferability with five accessions each of cassava, rubber tree and physic nut. The results revealed that cross-genera transferability among these species was observed. Of the 290 markers, 144 could amplify DNA of at least one nondonor species and 34 markers could amplify DNA of all tested species. A total of 57, 120 and 59 alleles were detected in cassava, rubber tree and physic nut, respectively, by transferable markers. The highest transferability (59.18%) was observed from cassava to rubber tree, followed by from rubber tree to cassava. Low transfer rates were found between cassava and physic nut, and between rubber tree and physic nut. These identified transferable markers for cassava, rubber tree and physic nut (37, 61 and 46, respectively) will be useful for comparative mapping and genomic studies. In addition, this finding is an important initial knowledge on cross-genera transferability of SSR markers in these three commercial species.