Microsatellite loci from the Caribbean Fruit Fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

The lack of polymorphic genetic markers suitable for genotyping sperm, eggs, and all life stages of the important agricultural pest, Anastrepha suspensa, have prevented detailed genetic studies of its breeding system, reproductive dynamics, and population dynamics. We describe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and reaction conditions for amplifying nine polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci isolated from this species. The PCR primers were tested on four to five individuals each collected from five geographically distant locations in Florida. Heterozygosity values and the number of alleles per locus varied from 0.11 to 0.89, and from two to 12, respectively.