Isolation, characterization, and cross-amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Guaiacum coulteri (Zygophyllaceae).

Guaiacum coulteri is a dry forest hardwood species of conservation concern endemic to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed which show high levels of polymorphism across two populations with the number of alleles ranging from four to 21. Most loci additionally exhibited consistent multiple banding patterns, indicating the likely polyploidy of this species. All loci were tested for cross-amplification with most found to amplify well across the genus Guaiacum, although amplification in other related genera of the Zygophyllaceae was limited.