A set of cross‐species amplifying microsatellite markers developed from DNA sequence databanks in Picea (Pinaceae)

Seven codominant genetic markers (of which six are located in gene untranslated transcribed regions) were developed from Picea DNA sequences available in databanks. Primers were designed to specifically amplify by polymerase chain reaction tri‐, di‐ or mononucleotide repeated motifs. They provided single locus length polymorphism on a representative sample of 93 Picea abies individuals. The usefulness of each locus in mapping, population genetics or gene flow studies was assessed. A weak geographical genetic differentiation was revealed. The loci were also amplified in P. glauca, P. engelmannii and P. omorika demonstrating potential transferability across Picea species.