ARS | Publication request: Release of SSR markers derived from Poa arachnifera (Texas bluegrass)

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: October 23, 2011
Publication Date: January 19, 2012
Citation: Kindiger, B.K. 2012. Release of SSR markers derived from Poa arachnifera (Texas bluegrass). Plant and Animal Genome Conference, January 14-18, 2012, San Diego, CA. Available on: http://pag.confex.com/pag/xx/webprogram/Paper1701.html.

Interpretive Summary: Molecular markers are useful for the genetic analysis in a myriad of plant and animal species. A type of marker called microsatellite markers is a proven type of DNA based marker system that has several advantages over other marker systems. Few markers are available for application toward bluegrass improvement and genetic studies. Forty-six microsatellite markers were generated and released to fill this need. These markers were originally generated for Texas bluegrass, a species native to the South Central USA; however, the markers have been proven to be equally applicable across other bluegrass species. The availability of these markers should provide bluegrass breeders with an efficient tool for bluegrass marker-to-trait mapping studies and cultivar purity testing.

Technical 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. Due to their successful use for genetic analysis in a number of plant species, the availability of such markers for the genus Poa (Poaceae) would be advantageous. 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 P.arachnifera microsatellite primer pairs amplify a single amplification product and are highly informative, exhibiting PIC values ranging from 0.38-0.78. An evaluation of the markers across P. pratensis, P. sceunda, P. arida, P. alpina, P. labillardieri, P. ligularis, P. rodawayi suggest a wider application across the genus. 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. The application of these markers in seed purity, seed certification and enforcement of cultivar protection is also discussed.