Characterisation of thirteen polymorphic microsatellite markers for cowslip (Primula veris L.) developed using a 454 sequencing approach

The cowslip (Primula veris L., Primulaceae) is a distylous perennial plant with a self-incompatibility system making it an obligate outbreeder. It is found in threatened grassland habitats that are becoming increasingly fragmented. Microsatellite discovery was performed using next generation sequence technologies. We present 13 novel microsatellite markers that have been optimised for P. veris. The loci show clear polymorphic banding patterns, exhibiting between 2 and 12 alleles, with observed heterozygosity values ranging from 0.296 to 0.889. These markers will facilitate the assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of P. veris populations.