Isolation of microsatellite markers for Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore (Arecaceae)

Abstract

Abstract Markers based on simple sequence repeats (SSR) or microsatellites have characteristics that make them widely used in population genetics studies: they are abundant and evenly distributed throughout the genome, highly polymorphic and can be transferred between species of the same genus. The present study describes the isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Copernicia prunifera (carnauba palm). Seventeen primer pairs were developed with base-pair sizes ranging from 113 to 250 bp. Subsequently, the primers were submitted to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and all were successfully amplified, with the primers Cop02, Cop07, Cop10 and Cop15 presenting the best amplification patterns. After amplification tests, new reactions were performed, which were adjusted to optimize primer protocols, eliminating unspecific sequences and increasing locus sharpness. The annealing temperatures that presented the best amplification patterns ranged between 52 and 59 ºC. These markers can be used in genetics studies of C. prunifera populations and further tested in other Copernicia species.