Development of a male specific genetic marker for Garcinia subelliptica Merr. tree

Researchers have developed the first male-specific genetic marker for Garcinia subelliptica, a dioecious tree species known as "fukugi" in Japan. This breakthrough, achieved through restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), enables early sex diagnosis and selection at the seedling stage, addressing long-standing challenges in afforestation and landscape maintenance. The marker, named FSDM, is a 660 bp fragment that consistently appears in male but not female G. subelliptica genomes, with a confirmed 1:1 segregation ratio in tested populations. Notably, the DNA sequence of FSDM shares significant similarity to the antifungal protein ginkbilobin-2 gene. This innovation holds promise for conserving traditional landscapes and supporting future village designs around the northern part of Okinawa Island, a potential World Natural Heritage site.

Irei, A., Miryeganeh, M., Tamashiro, M., Saze, H., Urasaki, N., & Tarora, K. (2021). Development of a male specific genetic marker for Garcinia subelliptica Merr. tree. Journal of Forest Research, 26(3), 222–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/13416979.2021.1897060