Polymorphic microsatellite loci from the western corn rootworm (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and cross-amplification with other Diabrotica spp

Corn rootworms (Diabrotica spp.) make up the major insect pest complex of corn in the US and Europe, and there is a need for molecular markers for genetics studies. We used an enrichment strategy to develop microsatellite markers from the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera). Of 54 loci isolated, 25 were polymorphic, and of these, 17 were surveyed for variability in 59 wild individuals. In addition, the potential for cross-amplification of these microsatellites was surveyed for Mexican, northern, and southern corn rootworms. Nine microsatellite loci showed Mendelian inheritance and are likely to be useful in population genetics studies.