Data from: Development of microsatellite markers for buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides; Poaceae), a drought-tolerant turfgrass alternative

Premise of the study: Buchloë dactyloides is an important component of
Great Plains prairies and a popular drought-tolerant turfgrass alternative
in North America. This species comprises an autopolyploid series, and
microsatellite primers were developed in order to understand the
distribution of genetic variation among cytotypes and across its large
geographic range. Methods and Results: Fifteen microsatellite loci were
designed and successfully amplified in six B. dactyloides populations.
Within-population genetic diversity was comparatively high, consistent
with B. dactyloides' life history. Allelic variation at 13 loci was
consistent with cytotype established in chromosome-counted samples.
Conclusions: This variable, interpretable set of loci allows for the
determination of multi-locus genotype in B. dactyloides individuals of
varying cytotype. Data such as these from a range-wide sample set can
provide important insights for germplasm conservation and crop improvement
in this ecologically and economically important species.