Isolation, characterization, and cross-amplisfication of microsatellite markers for the petunia integrifolia (Solanaceae) complex

Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Petunia integrifolia subsp. depauperata with an intent to clarify taxonomic questions on the P. integrifolia complex, and to identify a purple-flowered parent of P. hybrida. Methods and Results: We characterized 11 microsatellite loci by screening primers developed using an SSR-enriched library. Genotyping of two populations resulted in eight polymorphic loci. Cross-species transferability was tested for other members of the P. integrifolia complex. Conclusions: The development of these markers may contribute to population genetics studies in Petunia, and cross-amplification among related species could be a useful tool for research on hybridization and introgression.