Development of single locus DNA microsatellite markers in Oryctes rhinoceros (Linnaeus) using 5′ anchored RAMs-PCR method

Oryctes rhinoceros, commonly known as rhinoceros beetle, is an important pest in oil palm plantations. The presence of this pest in replanting sites as early as six months after replanting has alarmed planters due to the possibility of increased crop damage. Being a nocturnal animal with a destructive feeding habit, it is difficult to eliminate this pest. Pheromone trapping using a species-specic-aggregation pheromone is commonly used to trap O. rhinoceros in replanting sites. With interest to further study the population genetic structure of O. rhinoceros; this study was carried out to isolate sufciently novel single-locus microsatellite markers for the insect. The isolation was carried out based on the 5 -anchored polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.