Generation and release of molecular markers for Poa arachnifera Torr.

DNA-based molecular markers can be used in a wide array of plant genetic studies, marker-trait associations, seed purity evaluations and cultivar protection. However, for the genus Poa, the use of molecular markers is limited by the current lack of informative DNA based markers. This report represents the development and release of an additional 39 molecular markers, all derived from an unenriched Poa arachnifera Torr. genomic library. The newly released markers include genomic microsatellite markers, tandem repeats, palindromes and regions exhibiting low complexity generated from the P.arachnifera library. Many of the primer pairs used to amplify the markers were observed to exhibit polymorphisms when evaluated across five additional Poa species (P. pratensis L., P. secunda J. Presl, P. ligularis Nees ex Steud., P. poiformis [Labill.] Druce and P. labillardieri Steud.) The availability of these new and informative markers should provide Poa breeders and geneticists with additional tools for breeding and genetic research.