Development of Nuclear Microsatellite Markers with Long (Tri-, Tetra-, Penta-, and Hexanucleotide) Motifs for Three Larch Species Based on the de novo Whole Genome Sequencing of Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.)

Abstract

Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) is one of the major boreal tree species in Eurasia and has a considerable economic and ecological value. Despite that importance, the development and use of microsatellite markers in this species remain limited. Microsatellite markers are considered to be a valuable tool for estimation of population diversity and structure. Availability of a draft reference assembly of the Siberian larch genome allowed us to identify 1015 microsatellite loci or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) with tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexanucleotide motifs. For 60 of them PCR primers were designed and tested for amplification in L. sibirica and for their within-genus transferability to L. gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr. and L. cajanderi Mayr. Here, we present a set of 14 reliable and polymorphic new nuclear SSR markers that can be used for further population genetic studies, breeding programs, and timber origin identification.