Primers for Low-Copy Nuclear Genes in <i>Metrosideros</i> and Cross-Amplification in Myrtaceae

Premise of the study: Primers were developed to amplify low-copy nuclear genes in Hawaiian <i>Metrosideros</i> (Myrtaceae). Methods and Results: Data from a pooled 454 Titanium run of the partial transcriptomes of four <i>Metrosideros</i> taxa were used to identify the loci of interest. Ten exon-primed intron-crossing (EPIC) markers were amplified and sequenced directly with success in <i>Metrosideros</i>, as well as in a representative selection of Myrtaceae, including <i>Syzygium</i>, <i>Psidium</i>, and <i>Melaleuca</i> for most of the markers. The loci amplified ranged between 500 and 1100 bp, and up to 117 polymorphic sites were observed within an individual gene alignment. Two introns contained microsatellites in some of the species. Conclusions: These novel primer pairs should be useful for phylogenetic analysis and population genetics of a broad range of Myrtaceae, particularly the diverse fleshy-fruited tribes Syzygieae and Myrteae