Fast and reliable genotype validation using microsatellite markers in Arabidopsis thaliana

In this paper we show how rogue genotypes in the parental stocks or contami nants among the crossed progeny of Arabidopsis thaliana can be readily iden tified and excluded from the breeding process using microsatellite markers derived from a small quantity of intact leaf tissue which has been alkali-t reated. This method is fast and cost effective as it does not require DNA e xtraction, is highly reliable, and is less damaging to small plants where o nly limited quantities of plant tissue are available. Furthermore, a large number of samples can be processed in 1 day, facilitating the identificatio n process prior to selfing or crossing the plants. Tn addition, the procedu re could potentially be automated since no centrifugation is required.