Characterization of microsatellite markers in the rosewood (Dalbergia monticola Bosser & R. Rabev.)

Dalbergia monticola is one of the major components of the oriental forest of Madagascar. This economically and ecologically important tree is threatened because of the dramatic decrease of the Madagascar forest. We have estimated the genetic diversity and structure of the species by studying nuclear microsatellites. We have developed eight pairs of primers to analyse 215 individuals distributed from the north to the south of the island. These markers will be useful for genetic and ecological studies of this species.