Poster: Genomic & proteomic resources

Abs # 870: Cross-species microsatellite primers for Texas bluegrass and its interspecific hybrids

Presenter:	Kindiger, Bryan K, bkindige@grl.ars.usda.gov
Authors	Kindiger, Bryan K (A)
Affiliations:	(A): usda-ars grazinglands research laboratory

PCR-based DNA markers are valuable to plant breeders for genetic mapping, trait introgression studies and testing variety purity. Simple sequence repeats are a class of genetic markers that have proven to be useful in many plant species; however the expense associated with their development limits their use and application in many species. Cross-species amplification of SSR markers developed for Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Bromus tectorum and Anisantha sterilis were evaluated as PCR-based markers for Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera ) and a interspecific hybrid breeding program. Results suggest that microsatellite primers generated in these taxa can be utilized as simple sequence repeats for genotype studies Poa. Touchdown PCR also lowered the frequency of mispriming events and dimer-primer products. In total, 15% of all primer pairs utilized in the analysis were informative and useful in identifying polymorphisms among P. arachnifera and its interspecific hybrids with P. secunda . The generation of androgenic haploids allowed for more efficient evaluation of markers and germplasm characterization.