Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the field vole,Microtus agrestis,and their cross‐utility in the common vole,Microtus arvalis

We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for the field vole, Microtus agrestis. The number of alleles ranged from five to 15 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.40 to 1.00. We also tested the microsatellite loci for amplification and polymorphism in the congeneric species Microtus arvalis. Five of the nine loci were successfully analysed in this species. The microsatellite markers will be employed in studies of reproductive success and fine‐scale spatial genetic structure.     

Novel polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers from Malaysian giant freshwater prawn, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis>

Seven single locus microsatellite markers were characterized in Malaysian giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii from an enriched genomic library Primer pairs were designed to flank the repeat sequences and the loci characterized for this species. The bands resulting from the PCR amplifications of these eight microsatellite loci were polymorphic with the number of alleles ranging from 8 to 26 alleles per locus, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0641 to 0.6564. These newly developed microsatellite markers should prove to be useful for population studies and in the management of genetic variations in broodstocks of freshwater prawn, M. rosenbergii.     

Development of microsatellite markers for the red tide‐forming harmful species Chattonella antiqua,C. marina,and C. ovata (Raphidophyceae)

We have developed 11 microsatellite markers that are specific to Chattonella antiqua, C. marina, and C. ovata, the red tide‐forming harmful phytoplanktons. The 11 loci were amplified in the three species. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 16. The three species shared most microsatellite regions, although the genetic differences in specific loci were detected among them. These markers of the Chattonella species will be beneficial for biogeographical, detailed taxonomic, studies.     

Polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci identified in the common frog (Rana temporaria,Amphibia, Ranidae)

We developed seven microsatellite loci in the common frog, Rana temporaria. There were between 2 and 27 alleles per locus and the expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.28 to 0.96 in a sample of frogs collected in the French Alps. Adding these seven markers to the 15 previously available microsatellite loci for this species should facilitate studies of genetic structure of Rana temporaria populations at a fine geographical scale.     

Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellite Loci for Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

Genetic variation has been difficult to detect in striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Therefore, we identified and characterized 13 microsatellite loci to provide additional genetic markers for striped bass. Microsatellites were identified by screening a striped bass genomic library or by using primers developed for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) microsatellite loci. We found that 6 of the 13 microsatellite loci were polymorphic in DNA samples obtained from wild populations of striped bass. The number of alleles per locus varied from 3 to 12, and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.55 to 0.78. These results indicate that microsatellite loci provide more alleles and higher heterozygosities than other genetic markers developed for striped bass. Received November 9, 1999; accepted February 11, 2000.     

Isolation and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the devastating dry rot fungus,Serpula lacrymans

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from microsatellite‐enriched DNA libraries of the devastating dry rot fungus, Serpula lacrymans. The loci exhibited two to four alleles per locus and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.13 to 0.47. The codominant markers, described here for this fungus, will permit further studies in population genetics and phylogeography of this economically highly important species.     

Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the endangered,endemic Chilean tree Gomortega keule (Gomortegaceae)

Queule (Gomortega keule) is an endangered, Chilean tree in the endemic, monotypic family Gomortegaceae. Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and characterized for this species. The number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 12 and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.2 to 1.0. These microsatellite markers will be valuable tools for population genetics studies and conservation planning.     

Isolation and Characterization of Twenty Microsatellite Loci in Japanese Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicus)

Twenty microsatellite markers were first developed from the Japanese sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus using an enrichment protocol. Of the 20 microsatellite loci, 19 loci were polymorphic in the population examined. At these polymorphic loci, the number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 15, and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.03 to 0.97, which is considerably higher than those previously found for allozymes. The high variability of the microsatellite markers identified in this study will make them excellent tools for genetic analyses of S. japonicus.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers from mangrove crab,Scylla paramamosain

The first five variable microsatellite DNA loci for mangrove crab, Scylla paramanosain, were developed. Allelic variation and other characteristics at these loci were examined in this species captured at the Urado Bay, Japan. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 24 to 44. The expected heterozygosity across loci ranged from 0.900 to 0.999 and probability of identity (P_I) ranged from 2.8 × 10^?3 to 1.7 × 10^?2. Therefore, these microsatellite markers could be useful for estimating effect of stock enhancement release and population genetic structure of mangrove crab.     

Isolation of microsatellite markers in mungbean,Vigna radiata

A simple and rapid method for isolating microsatellite loci in mungbean, Vigna radiata, based on the 5′‐anchored polymerase chain reaction technique revealed 23 microsatellite loci and six cryptically simple sequence repeats. We report on the characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in V. radiata. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 5 while the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.9048. These markers should prove useful as tools for detecting genetic variation in mungbean varieties for germplasm management and crossbreeding purposes.     

Eleven novel polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers from the green-lipped mussel, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna viridis</Emphasis>

We report on the characterization of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in P. viridis, the first set of such markers developed and characterized for this species. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0447 to 0.4837. These markers should prove useful as powerful genetic markers for this species. This article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in a marine fish species,the tusk (Brosme brosme)

We developed polymerase chain reaction primers for nine dinucleotide microsatellite loci in the marine deep‐sea fish, the tusk (Brosme brosme). All markers were obtained from a partial genomic DNA library, and characterized in 100 unrelated individuals from one putative population. The number of alleles ranged from two to 60 with an average of 15/locus. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.020 to 0.826 (average 0.438). Several of the markers amplified multiple alleles from the two other gadoid species tested.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from the pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from an enriched partial genomic library for the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), one of the most important cotton pests in the world. The total number of alleles ranged from two to 12 for a sample of 50 individuals and the expected heterozygosity at these loci ranged from 0.042 to 0.830. Although the presence of null alleles in some loci is suspected, these polymorphic markers are likely to provide useful tools for the population genetic studies of this species.     

Characterization of five microsatellite loci in the Pine Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera Notodontidae Thaumetopoeinae)

Five microsatellite markers were developed for the lepidopteran species Thaumetopoea pityocampa using an enrichment protocol. All loci could be amplified with no evidence of null alleles and will be useful for population genetic studies. The number of alleles ranged from three to 12 for a population of 30 individuals. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.53 to 0.80. No significant heterozygote deficiency was detected. Four markers might be of interest for Th. wilkinsoni.     

Development of twelve novel microsatellite markers in the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) for its strain identification and genetic analysis

Cordyceps militaris (a caterpillar fungus), which belongs to the class Ascomycetes, has extensively been used for medicinal purposes in East Asia. Here, we isolated and characterized 12 microsatellite loci from the medicinal mushroom, C. militaris. Twenty‐nine individual samples were taken from a single locality in southwestern Korea and used to characterize the developed markers. The number of alleles of these loci ranged from two to 13 (mean allelic richness = 6.44). Observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity in the population ranged from 0.035 to 0.880 and from 0.035 to 0.886, respectively. Five of 12 loci significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium, most likely due to heterozygote deficiency caused by inbreeding. Tests of genotypic linkage disequilibrium between the 12 loci showed no significant association of alleles. These microsatellite markers will provide valuable tools for genetic analyses for the strain identification of C. militaris as well as for its resource conservation.     

Development of 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from the mountain beaver, Aplodontia rufa rufa (Rafinesque)

We developed 10 microsatellite markers for the mountain beaver, Aplodontia rufa rufa. In three populations of A. r. rufa, the number of alleles for these loci ranged from monomorphic to nine. Average observed heterozygosities in these populations ranged from 0.29 to 0.60. We also tested previously published markers from the endangered subspecies A. r. nigra in A. r. rufa populations.     

Characterization of twenty-six polymorphic microsatellite markers for the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and their utility in gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

Twenty-six polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 11 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.037 to 0.815. Preliminary screening revealed that numerous loci also were polymorphic in other squirrel species: Sciurus carolinensis and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus. These loci should be useful tools for investigating the social structure, mating tactics and movement behavior of fox squirrels.     

Characterization of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci for an evergreen tree,Myrica rubra

We developed 13 microsatellite markers from a genomic library enriched for dinucleotide (CT) repeats in a dioecious evergreen tree, Myrica rubra. We screened loci from 32 adult trees. The number of alleles ranged from two to 14, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.324 to 0.884. The total paternity exclusionary power where the mother was known equalled 0.99965. These loci are of clear value in studying mating system and parentage analysis of this species.     

Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in two morphotypes of the Southeast Asian army ant,Aenictus laeviceps

Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from morphotype L1 of the Southeast Asian army ant, Aenictus laeviceps in Borneo, and characterized for morphotypes L1 and L2. The number of alleles per locus ranged from nine to 24 (average 15) in morphotype L1 and two to 16 (average 9.8) in L2. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.75 to 0.96 in morphotype L1 and from 0.08 to 0.96 in L2. All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. One pair of loci showed linkage disequilibrium in morphotype L1. All markers successfully amplified in morphotype S, and some markers amplified in other Aenictus species.     

Development of 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coilia ectenes</Emphasis> Jordan and Seale, 1905 (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) and cross-species amplification in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coilia mystus</Emphasis> Linnaeus, 1758

In this study, twelve polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for Coilia ectenes (synonym C. nasus). In a sample of 30 C. ectenes individuals in a Wuhan population from Yangtze River, a total of 78 alleles were detected, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 12. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.100 to 1.000 and from 0.098 to 0.899, respectively. Six loci significantly deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction (P < 0.004), and no significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found. The applicability of these markers in a closely related species, C. mystus, was evaluated by cross-species amplification. These microsatellite markers will be useful in studies on population genetics, conservation genetics, and fishery management and in the construction of genetic linkage maps of C. ectenes and C. mystus.