Development and validation of microsatellite markers for kikuyu grass using next generation sequencing technology

Abstract

Context The kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) is native to Africa and is one of the most widely used grasses for forage feeding in dairy regions around the world. Aims To obtain the first set of microsatellite markers for the population genetics study of kikuyu grass, using nextgeneration sequencing technology (Illumina MiSeq). Methods Sixty loci were evaluated, in which a subset of 12 loci were selected to be used for a complete population analysis in 108 samples of kikuyu, and were grouped in to three zones of Colombia. The three approaches with which the genetic structure was evaluated. Key results Obtained same tendency of grouping reflects a low genetic differentiation, specifically evidencing differences between the northern zone of Antioquia and the zones that comprise the other territories of Colombia. Conclusions These reads of microsatellite loci help to complement the information on the genetic structure of the populations of the kikuyu, and will be useful for the characterisation and evaluation of the diversity of germplasm in other parts of the world. Implications The set of microsatellite markers developed has a species-specific reproducibility and could be used for studies in other Cenchrus individuals and particularly in future investigations with Kikuyu grass. Likewise, this research presents findings in a broad context and relates them to other pasture species.