Characterization of a Suite of 40 EST-derived Microsatellite Markers For Use in Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr)

This paper describes 40 novel, data-mined, polymorphic microsatellite loci for use in a QTL association study in Sitka spruce. Publicly available EST sequences of Picea in Genbank were searched in silico for simple sequence repeat (SSR) motifs, principally dinucleotide microsatellites, and PCR primers were designed to flank these regions. PCR amplification was carried out in the progeny of a full-sib family to test simple Mendelian inheritance. For further characterization, the amplification products of Sitka spruce material from unrelated trees were assessed to determine the potential of these loci for population genetic studies. These polymorphic markers therefore represent a valuable tool-kit both for establishing a molecular map of this species and for Picea genetic population studies.