Novel microsatellite loci for Agave parryi and cross‐amplification in Agave palmeri (Agavaceae)

• Premise of the study: To examine the foraging behavior of nectarivorous bats in southeastern Arizona, we developed microsatellite primers in Agave parryi . These markers were also tested for cross‐amplification and applicability to assess patterns of genetic diversity and structure in A. palmeri . • Methods and Results: Utilizing DNA sequence data from 454 shotgun sequencing, we identified seven novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in A. parryi and screened them for cross‐amplification in A. palmeri . These markers were characterized in two populations of 30 individuals each for each species. In A. parryi , all primers were polymorphic and amplified between three and 12 alleles per population. In A. palmeri , all primers amplified, six were polymorphic, and allelic diversity ranged from one to 16 alleles per population. • Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the applicability of these microsatellite primers for population genetics studies in both A. parryi and A. palmeri .