Microsatellite markers, also referred to as STMS (SequenceTagged Microsatellite Sites) or STR (Short Tandem Repeats) are widely used as molecular markers for intraspecific genotyping, molecular mapping and breeding purposes. The method described is an efficient,fast and relatively inexpensive way to obtain microsatellite markers without post-cloning selection methods. So far, the method has been successful in onion (Allium cepa L.), a plant with a large genome and for pathogenic fungi.