Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the grass Poa arachnifera Torr

Abstract

Microsatellite markers represent a proven class of genetic markers that have wide use in a variety of plant genetic studies and exhibit several advantages when compared to other DNA-based marker systems. Because of their successful use for genetic analysis in a number of plant species, their generation and availability in the genus Poa (Poaceae) would be advantageous for a multitude of Poa improvement, selection or marker-assisted breeding endeavors. However, due to the cost of their development, few microsatellite markers are available for Poa. In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of 46 informative microsatellite primer pairs from an unenriched Poa arachnifera Torrey (Texas bluegrass) genomic library. Most of the microsatellite primer pairs amplify a single amplification product and were found to be useful across seven other Poa species. The availability of these informative microsatellite markers should serve a valuable role in the analysis and construction of genetic linkage maps and future marker assisted selection projects.