Development of microsatellite markers for Polemonium kiushianum (Polemoniaceae), a critically endangered grassland plant species in Japan

Eight microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for Polemonium kiushianum (Polemoniaceae), an endangered perennial herb endemic to the Kyushu region in Japan. The number of individuals of this species is presumed to be about 400 individuals. The loci showed polymorphisms with two to ten alleles per locus. The expected and observed heterozygositis ranged from 0.039 to 0.744 and 0.039 to 0.784, respectively. Although significant deviations (P < 0.05) from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were detected for one locus, no significant deviations were detected for other seven loci. There was no evidence of significant linkage disequilibrium between any two of the loci. The markers described here will be useful to establish conservation programs based on genetic traits of P. kiushianum.