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Abstract
Microsatellite markers are needed for distinguishing cultivars and mapping disease and pest resistance genes in caladiums, one of the most important ornamental aroids. Through sequencing of a GA‐enriched partial genomic library, 173 unique sequences suitable for designing simple sequence repeat primers were identified. A majority of the sequences (82.7%) contained perfect repeats of GA/TC motif, and 86.8% of the primers amplified discrete PCR products of expected sizes, resulting in development of the first 99 microsatellite markers in caladiums. These markers detected differences at 41.8% and 68.8% of the amplified alleles between two pairs of caladium cultivars that are most difficult to distinguish morphologically. The markers revealed high percentages (70.0% to 78.2%) of polymorphic alleles among three parents of segregating populations to be used for mapping genes for resistance to three major diseases/pests. High rates of transferability (51.7–100%) were observed across seven Caladium species. The availability of these highly polymorphic, robust markers will provide a powerful tool for differentiating cultivars, anchoring genetic maps and understanding the genetic relationships in caladiums.