Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Byrsonima cydoniifolia (Malpighiaceae) and cross-amplification in B. crassifolia(1)

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized in Byrsonima cydoniifolia (Malpighiaceae) to allow further investigation of genetic variation in natural populations. Cross-amplification was tested in the related species B. crassifolia. • Methods and Results: Seventeen microsatellite markers were isolated by a microsatellite-enriched library protocol. Fourteen polymorphic and three monomorphic loci were identified in B. cydoniifolia. The mean number of alleles in the three populations were 6.5, 6.5, and 8.2, ranging from three to 17 for different loci and populations. Mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.706 and 0.727, respectively. The fixation index was close to zero for all but two loci. Nine microsatellite loci were successfully cross-amplified in B. crassifolia. • Conclusions: This new set of microsatellite markers will be a useful tool for genetic studies of B. cydoniifolia, supporting strategies for maintaining the genetic diversity of this species and possibly that of many related species.