Cross-species amplification of Eucalyptus microsatellite loci

This study examined the interspecific amplification of nuclear microsatellite loci developed mainly for eucalypts in the subgenus Symphyomyrtus across five species within the second most speciose subgenus, subgenus Eucalyptus. A set of eight to 10 loci, depending on taxon, have been identified that are highly variable and easily scored. The successful transfer of microsatellite loci to these eucalypt species sidesteps the expensive and time-consuming development of species-specific microsatellite libraries. This primer set will enable the examination and cross-species comparison of the genetic resources of commercially and ecologically important members of the subgenus Eucalyptus.