Transferability of SSR markers from Eugenia uniflora L. to Myrtaceae species of the Atlantic Forest

ABSTRACT

The Myrtaceae family is home to several species of economic and ecological importance, but many are in areas of constant environmental degradation, demanding studies aiming at the conservation status evaluation or other characteristics of interest. One of the widely used tools for these purposes is SSR markers. This study sought to evaluate the transferability of 11 new SSR markers characterized in Eugenia uniflora to 14 different species of the family Myrtaceae. Out of the 11 markers tested, nine were amplified in at least one of the examined species. For seven species, this is the first report of cross-species transfer of SSR markers. These markers may contribute to the characterization of the genetic diversity of the species and planning policies for the conservation and breeding of these genetic resources.

Keywords: genetic diversity; microsatellite markers; Myrtoideae; molecular diversity; molecular markers