Ten di- and trinucleotide microsatellite loci in the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, for studies of regional population connectivity

We describe 10 microsatellite loci for Panulirus argus (Caribbean spiny lobster). The number of alleles at each locus ranged from four to 39 (mean = 21.8) in 89 juvenile specimens collected at two different times at a recruitment site in south Florida. Levels of expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.48 to 0.96 (mean = 0.83) and from 0.32 to 0.98 (mean = 0.71), respectively. Significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed at two loci. There was no evidence of genotypic disequilibrium for any pair of loci. Overall, the loci were well resolved, highly polymorphic and independently segregating, confirming their utility for population genetic studies.     

Development of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers in the Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) for capture-recapture studies

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci for Atlantic tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, were isolated by using PIMA, a polymerase chain reaction‐based technique. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from two to 24 (mean = 7.7) in 65 specimens from Tampa Bay, Florida. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.27 to 0.92 (mean = 0.60) and from 0.28 to 0.95 (mean = 0.62), respectively. Genotypes at one locus deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In exact tests for genotypic disequilibrium, there was no evidence of associations between any pair of loci. Overall, loci were well resolved and highly polymorphic, confirming their suitability for DNA fingerprinting applications and other genetic studies.     

Isolation of six microsatellite markers from apterous grasshopper Podisma kanoi (Orthoptera: Podisminae)

Using the magnetic particles method, we isolated six polymorphic microsatellite loci from an apterous grasshopper, Podisma kanoi Strozhenko, which shows conspicuous structural variation in chromosomes. The isolated loci were polymorphic, with three to 10 alleles among 20 individuals. Expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.23 to 0.90. These loci can be used to examine the history of population fragmentation and the establishment of chromosomal variation.     

Novel microsatellite loci in the threatened European long-snouted seahorse (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippocampus guttulatus</Emphasis>) for genetic diversity and parentage analysis

The long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus is one of the two European seahorse species. We describe the isolation of the first 12 microsatellite loci in this threatened species. These new markers were tested in non-invasive samples of 32 seahorses from NW Spain. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 15 (mean: 6.3) and expected heterozygosity from 0.031 to 0.912 (mean: 0.500). All loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations and no genotypic disequilibrium was observed between any pair of loci. The theoretical exclusion probabilities for this set of loci, when no parental information exists or when one parent is known, were 0.973 and 0.998, respectively. This study indicates the usefulness of these novel loci for population analysis and kinship studies in Hippocampus guttulatus. Their potential application is extended to the other European seahorse species, since all loci were successfully cross-amplified in H. hippocampus.     

Isolation and characterization of 23 microsatellite loci in the yellow tang, Zebrasoma flavescens (Pisces: Acanthuridae)

Twenty‐three microsatellites were isolated from the yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), an ecologically and commercially important reef fish. Genetic diversity was assessed in 90 adults collected from Honokohau, Hawaii. The number of alleles per locus varied from four to 29 (mean = 13.8) and observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.15 to 0.94 (mean = 0.70) and from 0.29 to 0.93 (mean = 0.81), respectively. Eight loci exhibited significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium due to the presence of null alleles. Exact tests showed no evidence of genotypic disequilibrium between loci. Overall, loci were well resolved, easy to score and highly polymorphic.     

Development of microsatellite markers for the crown‐of‐thorns starfish Acanthaster planci

We isolated nine polymorphic microsatellites from the crown‐of‐thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci. These loci provide one class of highly variable genetic marker as the number of alleles ranged from three to 12 and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.130 to 0.783 and from 0.163 to 0.862, respectively. We consider that these loci are potentially useful for detailing the genetic structure and gene flow among A. planci populations.     

PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Twelve polymorphic microsatellite markers for the bonefish, Albula vulpes and two congeners

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated for the bonefish, Albula vulpes using a polymerase chain reaction‐based procedure. The number of alleles ranged from two to 23 (mean = 8.8) in 37 specimens from south Florida. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.07 to 0.77 (mean = 0.42) and from 0.07 to 0.84 (mean = 0.48), respectively. There were no significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no evidence of genotypic disequilibrium between any pair of loci. In a cross‐amplification test, all markers yielded appropriately sized alleles for specimens of the provisional Albula sp. B and 11 of the 12 loci amplified for those of Albula glossodonta.     

Isolation and characterization of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Florida pompano,Trachinotus carolinus

Here we describe 13 polymorphic, dinucleotide microsatellite loci for Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano), isolated by using PIMA, a polymerase chain reaction‐based technique. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from 3 to 29 (mean = 11.4) in 45 specimens collected from bay and nearshore waters around St Petersburg, Florida. Levels of expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.15 to 0.94 (mean = 0.69) and from 0.16 to 0.98 (mean = 0.70), respectively. No significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations were observed. In exact tests for genotypic disequilibrium, there was no evidence of linkage for any pair of loci. The ability of these markers to cross‐amplify in two congeneric Trachinotus species —T. falcatus (permit) and T. goodei (palometa) — was also assessed. The loci were well‐resolved, highly polymorphic, and independently segregating in these taxa, also suggesting a general utility for intraspecific studies, species identification, and investigation of interspecific hybridization.     

Characterization of 11 microsatellite loci derived from genomic sequences of polychaete Capitella capitata complex

Eleven microsatellite loci derived from the genomic sequence data of Capitella capitata were characterized using 30 samples. The observed number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 36. The levels of observed and expected heterozygosities for polymorphic loci were from 0.10 to 0.87 and from 0.37 to 0.98, averaging 0.52 and 0.77, respectively. Analyses of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and genotypic linkage disequilibrium suggest the possible presence of both null alleles and Wahlund effect. One of the 11 loci was difficult to amplify for genotyping. Therefore, the rest 10 loci are good molecular markers for population genetic analysis.     

Montane barriers to gene flow of Melanoplus bivittatus (Orthoptera: Acrididae)*

To determine the effectiveness of montane barriers to gene flow of the two-striped grasshopper, Melanoplus bivittatus, collections were made at four sites at the corners of a square location, each bisected by one of five Colorado mountains (total: five locations, 18 sites). The premise of this design is that samples from opposite sides of an effective barrier should have more genotypic differences than samples from the same side. Genotypic differences were measured for each grasshopper as 18 morphological measurements and six enzyme loci. Dissimilarities in morphology or enzyme loci were expressed as significant estimates of Mahalanobis squared distance (respectively, D² or G²) between two sample sites. The presence of foothills had no influence on the number of significant G² (age and sex classes combined) or significant D² (age and sex classes separated). For samples near the foothills, adult females had more significant D² than adult males. For samples near the two higher mountains, adult males had more significant D² for site samples from opposite sides. A combination of gene flow and selection is the most plausible explanation for most of these results.     

Development of microsatellite markers in the noxious red tide‐causing algae Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae)

We isolated 13 polymorphic microsatellites from the noxious red tide‐causing algae, Heterosigma akashiwo. These loci provide a class of highly variable genetic markers as the number of alleles ranged from three to 12 and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.286 to 0.926 and from 0.314 to 0.888, respectively. We consider these loci potentially useful for detailing the genetic structure and gene flow among H. akashiwo populations.     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in Kearney's bluestar (Amsonia kearneyana) and cross‐amplification in other Amsonia species

Kearney's bluestar (Amsonia kearneyana) is a highly endangered herbaceous perennial in the family Apocynaceae. The species is found only in the Baboquivari Mountains of southern Arizona. We report the isolation and development of 12 microsatellite loci for Kearney's bluestar. Numbers of alleles ranged from two to four and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.20 to 0.80 in the nine loci found to be polymorphic in the test population. All loci were also tested for cross‐amplification in five other Amsonia species representing two subgenera from the southwestern United States. Some loci that were not polymorphic in the Kearney's bluestar were polymorphic in other species.     

Characteristics of 13 polymorphic microsatellite markers in the corn earworm,Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci suitable for population genetic studies of Helicoverpa zea were discovered by screening partial genomic libraries enriched for microsatellite sequences. Insects collected (N = 96) in Stoneville, Mississippi were used to characterize these markers. The observed and effective number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine (average 4.46) and from 1.07 to 2.45 (average 1.81), respectively. Fisher exact tests detected significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium at three loci, probably due to inbreeding, null alleles, or Wahlund's effect. Significant genotypic disequilibrium was not detected between any pair of loci.     

Polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Puerto Rican crested anole (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Anolis cristatellus</Emphasis>) and their amplification in related Puerto Rican species

We isolate six highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Puerto Rican crested anole (Anolis cristatellus) from a genomic library enriched for CA repeats. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 14 to 19, with levels of observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.60 to 0.73. Most of these loci were successfully cross-amplified in other members of the cristatellus species group (A. evermanni, A. gundlachi, A. krugi, A. stratulus), but levels of polymorphism were lower.     

PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Eighteen new polymorphic microsatellite markers for the endangered Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris

Here we describe 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci for Trichechus manatus latirostris (Florida manatee), isolated using a polymerase chain reaction‐based technique. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from two to four (mean = 2.5) in specimens from southwest (n = 58) and northeast (n = 58) Florida. Expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.11 to 0.67 (mean = 0.35) and from 0.02 to 0.78 (mean = 0.34), respectively. Departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium occurred at two loci. There was no evidence of genotypic disequilibrium for any pair of loci. For individual identification, mean random‐mating and θ‐corrected match probabilities were 9.36 × 10^?7 and 1.95 × 10^?6, respectively.     

Ten new microsatellite loci for the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) and their cross‐species applicability among related taxa

We describe isolation and characterization of the first microsatellite loci specifically developed for a very common European passerine bird, the yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Nine out of our 10 loci are polymorphic within the species E. citrinella. Number of alleles ranged from two to 21 per locus and observed heterozygosity between 0.20 and 0.91. Four primer pairs also yielded reproducible results in other species of Emberizidae. These loci comprise a set of molecular markers for various applications, from moderately polymorphic loci suitable for population studies to highly polymorphic loci for pedigree analysis in Emberizidae.     

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers for Oedaleus decorus (Orthoptera, Acrididae), an endangered grasshopper in Central Europe

We isolated and characterized 11 microsatellite loci in the grasshopper Oedaleus decorus (Orthoptera: Acrididae), an endangered species in Central Europe. Polymorphism was studied from two populations, one out of two populations known from Switzerland (n = 20 individuals) and one site from south of France (n = 20). The number of alleles and the expected heterozygosity ranged from five to 12 and from 0.559 to 0.898, respectively, in the Swiss population, and from 14 to 23 and from 0.895 to 0.974, respectively, in the French population. These microsatellite markers are suitable for further conservation genetic studies of O. decorus.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the heavily exploited rockfish Sebastes schlegeli, and cross-species amplification in four related Sebastes spp.

Here we report development and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Sebastes schlegel. Polymorphism at these loci revealed from 3 to 23 alleles. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.34 to 1.00, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.31 to 0.95. No linkage disequibrium was found. Two loci were significantly deviated from HWE (P < 0.01). The 14 loci were also surveyed in four other Sebastes species and 12 loci successfully amplified, where allelic diversity ranged from highly polymorphic to monomorphic. These results demonstrate these microsatellite markers can be used for the study of intra- and inter-specific genetic diversity.     

Characterization,multiplex conditions,and cross‐species utility of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi)

We have isolated and characterized 17 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi), an anuran common in the central USA. Sixteen loci were organized into four multiplex amplification reactions. These loci were highly polymorphic when screened in 55 individuals from two distant populations, with 11–48 alleles per locus (average = 24.8). Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.18 to 0.97 and from 0.17 to 0.96, respectively. Nine loci were also polymorphic in Acris crepitans crepitans, with seven polymorphic in Acris gryllus. Five loci amplified in all three taxa. These loci will be useful for population‐ and species‐level investigations of this widespread group.     

Isolation and characterization of twenty-one polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Tibetan macaque (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Macaca thibetana</Emphasis>)

Twenty-one microsatellite loci were isolated from AC-enriched library of Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana). The number of alleles at the 21 microsatellite loci ranged from 8 to 15, with an average of 12.2 per locus. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.805 to 0.910 with an average of 0.873. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.208 to 0.792 and from 0.843 to 0.938, respectively. These microsatellite loci will be useful for future studies that relate to the genetic diversity and population structure of Tibetan macaque.