Development of a DNA macroarray for the molecular biological identification of trade-relevant tropical CITES timber species and their look-alikes

Abstract

The control authorities of timber trade lack quick and easy methods to verify the legality of the traded product. This includes the clear identification of the timber species. In this study, a simple genetic method, the macroarray technique, was modified and optimised for this purpose. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was used as barcode region. Specific probes were designed and tested using this barcode of trade-relevant, CITES protected wood species and their look-alikes. The results reveal that 61 of these probes are suitable for identification purposes. Hence, 32 of the 50 investigated species can be clearly identified using the developed macroarray. Additional 15 species are represented by probes in groups of two to three species, which enables a delimitation of the species present. For four species, no identification was possible applying the probes created. The findings indicate the potential of time and cost savings compared to currently established methods in species control in the timber trade.