Development of microsatellite loci of pod mahogany, Afzelia quanzensis (Fabaceae), by Illumina shotgun sequencing, and cross-amplification in A. Africana

Abstract

Afzelia quanzensis Welw. (Fabaceae) is a deciduous, medium to large tree that naturally occurs in eastern and southern Africa. It is a lowland species that grows well in hot temperatures and sandy soils. Its wood possesses an ornamental grain, which is very strong and flexible. It glues firmly and takes a good varnish, properties that make it eagerly sought after by woodcarvers. Apart from woodcarving, A. quanzensis is also used for railway sleeper and door construction, and as timber for roofing and fencing. As a result, it has been heavily logged in its native range (Gerhardt and Todd, 2009). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has regionally listed A. quanzensis as vulnerable in Malawi (Golding, 2002), while in South Africa, it is now a protected species. No microsatellite loci have been developed specifically for the species. Here, we describe the development of microsatellite loci that will be used in genetic studies.