PCR-Multiplex of Six Chloroplast Microsatellites for Population Studies and Genetic Typing in Pinus sylvestris

The major drawback of microsatellites analysis is that they are expensive to develop, labor-intensive and demand skilled personnel. However, such studies might be still simplified and accelerated by multiplexing of the markers and the use of highthroughput systems for genotyping DNA fragments. In this paper we present a single, simple and highly effective PCRmultiplex reaction composed of six chloroplast microsatellites widely used for population studies in pines but here applied to Pinus sylvestris. The reaction allows for rapid genotyping of large sample sizes.