for Salmonid Genetic Studies

Population genetic studies conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish Genetics Laboratory, have led to the testing and development of genetic markers for salmonid fishes. This report summarizes preliminary results from our ongoing work on microsatellites. We are applying primers developed in other laboratories as well as those developed in our laboratory. Primer sets are being selected that meet the following criteria: polymorphic, predictable inheritance, interpretable results, and reliable PCR performance. Efforts were made to minimize the number of PCR protocols for the primer sets to support high throughput of samples and enhance quality control. A single PCR thermocycle regimen is being used where, for most reactions, only the annealing temperature is varied for each primer set and species. Allele identities are being assigned by comparison to allele ladders, two-base ladders, and commercial size standards. Work is in-progress to determine true allele sizes. Inheritance testing is completed for some loci and either in-progress or being planned for other loci. Primer sequences and laboratory protocols are presented for each of the following species and loci