Genic microsatellite markers derived from EST sequences of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

Authors

Christian M. Tobias, USDA, ARS, Western Regional Research Center, Genomics and Gene Discovery UnitFollow
Daniel M. Hayden, USDA, ARS, Western Regional Research Center, Genomics and Gene Discovery Unit
Paul Twigg, University of Nebraska at KearneyFollow
Gautam Sarath, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2-14-2006

Comments

Published in Molecular Ecology Notes (2006) 6 , 185–187.

Abstract

Switchgrass is a large, North American, perennial grass that is being evaluated as a potential energy crop. There is a need to assess genetic diversity in stored accessions and in remaining native stands to assist breeding and conservation efforts. Marker development will also be necessary for genetic linkage mapping. Toward this end, 32 switchgrass genic di-, tri- and tetranucleotide repeat microsatellites were identified from expressed sequence tags (ESTs). These microsatellites were used to screen individuals from two different named cultivars. The markers displayed a high level of polymorphism consistent with the tetraploid, allogamous behaviour of the cultivars tested.