Primers to amplify SNP markers in Epichloë canadensis (Clavicipitaceae)1

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Primers were designed to produce short amplicons containing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in β-tubulin (tubB) and translation elongation factor 1-α (tefA) in Epichloë canadensis (Clavicipitaceae), an endophytic fungus of Elymus canadensis (Poaceae). METHODS AND RESULTS Primers to amplify regions of tubB and tefA containing suspected SNPs were designed and tested on individuals from six populations. Two tubB alleles were identified that differed by a single SNP, and three tefA alleles were identified that differed by a combination of two SNPs. All six populations tested were polymorphic for the tefA marker, and three of the populations were also polymorphic for the tubB marker. These primers are also predicted to amplify these regions in 11 additional epichloid species. CONCLUSIONS Primers for short amplicons within tubB and tefA genes can be used to successfully genotype E. canadensis, making them useful markers for population genetic or landscape genomic studies.