Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Pericopsis elata (Fabaceae) using a cost-efficient approach.

Premise of the Study: Microsatellite loci were developed in the endangered Pericopsis elata using a combination of low-cost procedures.
Methods and Results: Microsatellite isolation was performed simultaneously on three distinct species through a newly available procedure that associates multiplex microsatellite enrichment and next-generation sequencing, allowing the rapid and low-cost development of microsatellite-enriched libraries through the use of a 1/32nd GS-FLX plate. Genotyping using M13-like labeling in multiplexed reactions allowed additional cost savings. From 72 primers selected for initial screening, 21 positively amplified P. elata, and 11 showed polymorphism with two to 11 alleles per locus and a mean value of 5.4 alleles per locus.
Conclusions: These microsatellite loci will be useful to further investigate the level of genetic variation within and between natural populations of P. elata in Africa.