Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Grevillea robusta

Background Grevillea robusta is a native tree to the subtropical coastal regions of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland in Australia. In Brazil, Embrapa Forestry and its partners have established many provenance/progeny tests to increase the species genetic basis and aim to implement a breeding program to improve timber production. Genetic variability of these tests has been monitored through the assessment of quantitative traits. However, the genetic evaluation of materials based on phenotypic traits is influenced by many environmental factors. Estimates of some genetic parameters such as gene flow and parentage are possible using molecular tools as most common molecular marker, microsatellite (Simple Sequence Repeats, SSRs) which are codominant and highly polymorphic. Genetic markers have intensively applied for the main strategies in breeding programs, especially when economically important traits are difficult measure because of low heritability. The aim of this study was develop microsatellite markers for Grevillea robusta through enriched library in order to estimate the genetic diversity and structure of the species, and direct efforts for the conservation and management of its active germplasm banks.