Microsatellite markers for Saussurea gnaphalodes (Asteraceae), a native Himalayan mountain species

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Saussurea gnaphalodes to investigate its genetic variation and population structure. ? Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture method, 46 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized across 48 S. gnaphalodes individuals from three Tibetan populations. Seventeen of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles ranged from two to 17. The observed and expected heterozygosities per population ranged from 0 to 0.938 and from 0 to 0.905, respectively. ? Conclusions: These markers provide a useful tool to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of S. gnaphalodes, and to facilitate further studies on conservation and utilization.     

Isolation and characterization of 50 nuclear microsatellite markers for Cathaya argyrophylla, a Chinese endemic conifer

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the endangered Cathaya argyrophylla (Pinaceae) to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure, as well as its evolutionary history. ? Methods and Results: Fifty dinucleotide microsatellite loci were identified in two populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 1 to 6, with a mean of 2.84. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 0.889 and from 0 to 0.779, respectively. ? Conclusions: These markers will facilitate further studies on the population genetics and evolutionary history of Cathaya argyrophylla.     

Microsatellite primers for the endangered aquatic herb, Ottelia acuminata (Hydrocharitaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in the endangered aquatic herb, Ottelia acuminata, to characterize its genetic diversity and understand its population structure. ? Methods and Results: Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from two populations of O. acuminata in China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 15; the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 0.885 and from 0 to 0.888, respectively, in the two populations. Selected loci also amplified successfully in O. sinensis. ? Conclusions: These microsatellite markers will facilitate further studies on the conservation genetics and evolutionary history of O. acuminata.     

Development of microsatellite markers in heterostylous Hedyotis chrysotricha (Rubiaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for a heterostylous herb, Hedyotis chrysotricha to investigate the effect of habitat fragmentation on its genetic diversity and population structure. ? Methods and Results: Twelve primer sets were developed and their polymorphisms were tested on 47 individuals from two island populations of H. chrysotricha in Thousand Island Lake of China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from five to 10, with an average of seven alleles. Expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.284 to 0.821 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.191 to 0.851. ? Conclusions: We showed that all of the 12 microsatellite markers developed for H. chrysotricha are polymorphic within populations, which should provide a powerful tool for assessing population structure and genetic diversity across fragmented and continuous populations, and for studying the genetic effects of habitat fragmentation on this species.     

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite markers for Avena sativa (Poaceae) (oat)

? Premise of the study: A new set of microsatellite primers was developed for Avena sativa and characterized to assess the level of genetic diversity among cultivars and wild genotypes. ? Methods and Results: Using an enrichment genomic library, 14 simple sequence repeat markers were identified. The loci of these markers were characterized and found to be polymorphic in size among 48 genotypes of oat from diverse geographical locations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight, while the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.031 to 0.75. ? Conclusions: These newly identified microsatellite markers will facilitate genetic diversity studies, fingerprinting, and genetic mapping of oat. Moreover, these new primers for A. sativa will aid future studies of polyploidy and hybridization in other species in this genus.     

Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers in Camellia chekiangoleosa (Theaceae) using 454-ESTs

? Premise of the study: A set of microsatellite markers for Camellia chekiangoleosa was developed and characterized using 454 sequencing technology to study the population genetic structure and the diversity of germplasm collections. ? Methods and Results: Eighteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were identified and tested in 150 individuals from three natural populations of C. chekiangoleosa. Alleles numbered from two to seven, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.100 to 0.760 and 0.133 to 0.809, respectively. ? Conclusions: These markers will potentially be conducive to further genetic studies on C. chekiangoleosa.     

Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Cymbidium goeringii (Orchidaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Cymbidium goeringii to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure. ? Methods and Results: From a microsatellite-enriched genomic library, 21 novel polymorphic microsatellites were isolated. The polymorphic patterns were verified in four populations (East Korea, West Korea, China, and Japan). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 11 to 29 with a mean of 20.29. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.272 to 0.799 and from 0.461 to 0.911, respectively. ? Conclusions: These microsatellite markers will be useful tools for understanding genetic variation and population ecogenetic structure in C. goeringii.     

New microsatellite loci for Narcissus papyraceus (Amarillydaceae) and cross-amplification in other congeneric species

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci from a genomic library of the species Narcissus papyraceus were optimized and characterized for studies of population genetics. ? Methods and Results: Eleven markers that were successfully amplified showed polymorphism when tested on 50 individuals from two populations in southern Spain and northern Morocco. Overall, the number of alleles per locus ranged between 4 and 15. Between 8 and 11 loci successfully amplified in other eight Narcissus species. ? Conclusions: These markers will enable genetic diversity studies of N. papyraceus across its distribution range and conduct paternity analyses among individuals differing in flower morphology.     

Nuclear and chloroplast SSR markers in Paeonia delavayi (Paeoniaceae) and cross-species amplification in P. ludlowii

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Paeonia delavayi and P. ludlowii (Paeoniaceae) to study their population genetics and phytogeography. ? Methods and Results: Nine polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched library of P. delavayi and primers were designed. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 16; the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.014 to 0.687 and 0.042 to 0.875, respectively. Six polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite loci were identified in P. delavayi and primers were provided. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to six and the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.08 to 0.716. Both nuclear and chloroplast primers were successfully applicable to P. ludlowii. ? Conclusions: The markers developed here will facilitate analyses of genetic diversity, population genetic structure, phytogeographical patterns, and conservation for P. delavayi and P. ludlowii.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from Tiarella polyphylla (Saxifragaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Tiarella polyphylla in Korea and Japan to study the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the species. ? Methods and Results: We successfully isolated a total of nine polymorphic simple sequence repeat loci. These nine loci contained from two to eight alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.250 and 0.000 to 0.974, respectively. ? Conclusions: The markers developed in this study may be used to estimate genetic diversity, genetic structure, and historical and recent gene flow in T. polyphylla, which requires conservation and management.     

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Berberis thunbergii (Berberidaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in Berberis thunbergii, an invasive and ornamental shrub in the eastern United States, to assess genetic diversity among populations and potentially identify horticultural cultivars. ? Methods and Results: A total of 12 loci were identified for the species. Eight of the loci were polymorphic and were screened in 24 individuals from two native (Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures, Japan) and one invasive (Connecticut, USA) population and 21 horticultural cultivars. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to seven, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.048 to 0.636. ? Conclusions: These new markers will provide tools for examining genetic relatedness of B. thunbergii plants in the native and invasive range, including phylogeographic studies and assessment of rapid evolution in the invasive range. These markers may also provide tools for examining hybridization with other related species in the invasive range.     

Microsatellite markers for the cushion rock jasmine, Androsace tapete (Primulaceae), a species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in an alpine plant endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Androsace tapete, to investigate its spatial genetic structure, gene flow, and mating patterns. ? Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture method, 16 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized. Fifteen of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 13 across 56 individuals from six Tibetan populations. ? Conclusions: These markers provide a useful tool to investigate the spatial genetic structure, gene flow, and mating system of A. tapete.     

Polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite loci in Nelumbo (Nelumbonaceae)

? Premise of the study: To study population genetics, phylogeography, and hybridization of Nelumbo (Nelumbonaceae), chloroplast microsatellite markers were developed. ? Methods and Results: Seventeen microsatellite loci were identified from the chloroplast genomes of N. nucifera and N. lutea. Polymorphisms were assessed in three populations of N. nucifera and one population of N. lutea. Nine loci were found to be polymorphic in N. nucifera, and all 17 loci were found to be polymorphic in N. lutea. In N. nucifera, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to six, and the unbiased haploid diversity per locus ranged from 0.198 to 0.790. In N. lutea, the number of alleles ranged from two to four, and the unbiased haploid diversity per locus ranged from 0.245 to 0.694. ? Conclusions: The identified chloroplast simple sequence repeat markers will be useful for the study of genetic diversity, phylogeography, and identification of Nelumbo cultivars.     

Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Taihangia rupestris (Rosaceae), a rare cliff herb

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the rare Taihangia rupestris (Rosaceae) to evaluate genetic diversity, population genetic structure, mating system, and demographic events of this species. ? Methods and Results: Ten primer sets were developed using an enriched genomic library and were successfully amplified in T. rupestris var. ciliata and T. rupestris var. rupestris. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 21; the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.300 to 0.950 and from 0.328 to 0.956, respectively, in the two varieties. ? Conclusions: The markers described here will be useful for studies of genetic variation, genetic structure, and mating systems of T. rupestris, which are important for the future conservation of this rare species.     

Development of 15 novel microsatellite markers from cellulose synthase genes in Populus tomentosa (Salicaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers from cellulose synthase genes were developed for the Chinese white poplar, Populus tomentosa, to investigate the genetic diversity of wild germplasm resources and to further identify favorable alleles significantly associated with wood cellulose content. ? Methods and Results: Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed in P. tomentosa by deep sequencing of cellulose synthase genes. Polymorphisms were evaluated in 460 individuals from three climatic regions of P. tomentosa, and all 15 markers revealed polymorphic variation. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine with an average of 4.3; the observed and expected heterozygosity per locus varied from 0.029 to 0.962 and from 0.051 to 0.713, respectively. ? Conclusions: These polymorphic markers will potentially be useful for genetic mapping and in molecular breeding for improvement of wood fiber traits in Populus.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Camellia nitidissima Chi (Theaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Camellia nitidissima for further population genetic studies. ? Methods and Results: Eight microsatellite markers were newly developed from C. nitidissima and 7 were transferred from other Camellia species. Two to 13 alleles per locus were identified for these microsatellites. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.040 to 0.909, and 0.184 to 0.916, respectively. Four loci showed a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and five locus pairs displayed linkage disequilibrium. ? Conclusions: These microsatellite markers will be useful to assess the genetic variation and genetic structure of C. nitidissima.     

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Actaea racemosa (black cohosh, Ranunculaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Actaea racemosa to analyze population genetic structure, compare genetic diversity across the species' range, and provide a genetic context for studies of phytochemical variation. ? Methods and Results: A total of seven polymorphic loci were screened in 60 individuals from 12 localities. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to six, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.133 to 0.900. Most of the loci tested cross-amplified in A. pachypoda, A. podocarpa, and A. rubra, indicating the utility of these markers for the genus. ? Conclusions: These new loci will provide tools for population genetics studies, including the characterization of genetic variation in A. racemosa and other eastern North American species of Actaea.     

Isolation of compound microsatellite markers for the endangered plant Neolitsea sericea (Lauraceae)

? Premise of the study: The development of compound microsatellite markers was conducted in Neolitsea sericea to investigate genetic diversity and population genetic structure of this endangered insular species. ? Methods and Results: Using the compound microsatellite marker technique, 10 compound microsatellite markers that were successfully amplified showed polymorphism when assessed in 55 individuals from two populations in East China and Japan. Overall, the number of alleles ranged from 3 to 17, with an average of 7.9 alleles per locus. In addition, these primers could be easily amplified in Neolitsea aurata var. paraciculata and N. aurata var. chekiangensis. ? Conclusions: The highly polymorphic markers developed and characterized in this study will be useful for population genetic studies of N. sericea.     

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Emmenopterys henryi (Rubiaceae), a rare tree from China

? Premise of the study: Compound microsatellite primers were developed for Emmenopterys henryi, an endangered deciduous tree endemic to China, to assess its genetic diversity and population structure as well as its evolutionary history. ? Methods and Results: Using the compound microsatellite marker technique, 10 pairs of polymorphic microsatellite primers were isolated and characterized in E. henryi. Levels of polymorphism were tested across a total of 63 individuals from three natural populations. Allele numbers varied from 10 to 20 per locus, with an average of 14.50 alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.125 to 0.962, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.377 to 0.903. ? Conclusions: The highly polymorphic markers developed and characterized in this study will facilitate evolutionary and population genetic studies in E. henryi.     

Sixteen novel microsatellite markers developed for Dendrocalamus sinicus (Poaceae), the strongest woody bamboo in the world

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in the strongest and most economically important bamboo species, Dendrocalamus sinicus, to investigate its genetic variability. ? Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining Repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 16 polymorphic primer sets were identified within 24 individuals from two geographic locations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to four, with a mean of 2.6. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0 to 1.000 and from 0.311 to 0.754, respectively. The cross-amplification of the 16 primer pairs was tested in four other Dendrocalamus species, and nine to 13 (56.3-81.3%) primer pairs were successfully amplified. ? Conclusions: These markers will be useful for studies on the genetic diversity of D. sinicus, which may facilitate conservation of this species.