The application of molecular genetic markers for the identification of the origin of wood from tropical forest species

The international trade of wood and wood products is an important aspect of the economic relations between industrialized and developing countries. In addition, it contributes to the destruction of tropical forests with numerous negative effects.
We aim to develop molecular tools to control the trade with wood and wood products from tropical species, and in particular to identify illegally felled or misclassified timber. The development of molecular markers based on DNA extracted from wood is in an early stage even for temperate tree species. The main focus of the project is on the important tree family Dipterocarpaceae. The work is divided into the following tasks: (i). Harvest and preparation of suitable material. (ii). Development of DNA extraction protocols from wood and processed wood products of Dipterocarpaceae. (iii). Development of suitable DNA markers, that allow a differentiation of species and geographic origins. (iv). Establishment of a decision system for the recognition of the local wood-origin of Dipterocarpaceae. (v). Assessment of transfer options to other tropical tree species or species groups.

members Finkeldey, Reiner (Leiter)
Gailing, Oliver (Mitarbeiter)
Rachmayanti, Yanti (Mitarbeiter)

Rachmayanti, Y., Leinemann, L., Gailing, O. & R. Finkeldey. 2006. Extraction, amplification and characterization of wood DNA from Dipterocarpaceae. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 24: 45-55.

Finkeldey, R., Rachmayanti, Y., Nuroniah, H., Nguyen, N.P., Cao, C. & O. Gailing. 2008. Identification of the timber origin of tropical species by molecular genetic markers - the case of dipterocarps. vTI Agriculture and Forestry Research 321: 20-27.

Rachmayanti, Y., Leinemann, L., Gailing, O. & R. Finkeldey. 2009. DNA from processed and unprocessed wood: factors influencing the isolation success. Forensic Science International Genetics 3: 185-192.

Finkeldey, R., Leinemann, L. & O. Gailing. 2010. Molecular genetic tools to infer the origin of forest plants and wood. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 85: 1251-1258.