DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROSATELLITE LOCI FOR KHAYA SENEGALENSIS (MELIACEAE)

Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed to characterize genetic variation and population subdivision in Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae). Methods and Results: Microsatellite loci were identified from genomic DNA sequences generated using the 454 GS-FLX titanium platform. Primers were designed for 67 tri- and tetranucleotide repeats, of which 20 were selected for 2 multiplexes based on amplification success and band size. Eleven of these loci showed polymorphism in two populations of Khaya senegalensis and amplified in individuals from across the species range. Conclusions: These new microsatellite loci will be useful for investigation of the evolutionary and conservation genetics of Khaya senegalensis.