Eight variable microsatellite loci for a Neotropical tree, Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D.Don (Bignoniaceae)

The Dendrogene Project (Genetic Conservation within Managed Forests in Amazonia) aims to understand the genetic and ecological processes that underpin tree species survival and in particular their response to forest management regimes. As part of the project, we developed eight microsatellite markers for Jacaranda copaia to be used for genetic structure, gene flow and reproductive biology studies. Polymorphism was evaluated using 96 adult trees from the Tapajos National Forest in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon. An average of 22 alleles per locus were detected, with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.731 to 0.94.     

Characterization of 14 microsatellite DNA markers for the tropical forest tree Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb. (Myristicaceae)

Fourteen microsatellite DNA markers were developed for studies of gene flow in the Neotropical rain forest tree Virola surinamensis. The loci were unlinked and polymorphic in a sample of 21 individuals, with two to 10 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.14 to 0.76. The overall exclusion probability (0.997) indicates high resolution for parentage-based analyses of gene flow.     

Isolation and characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci for Frangula alnus (Rhamnaceae)

We report the first 16 polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers developed for Frangula alnus (Rhamnaceae). Markers were tested on all three subspecies as well as on three local populations, including analyses of both leaf and seed endocarps. A total of 87 alleles were found (mean number of alleles per locus was 5.44) for 72 individuals genotyped. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.097 to 0.792 and from 0.093 to 0.794, respectively. The levels of polymorphism and exclusionary power of the developed markers render them applicable for parentage analyses and measurements of seed dispersal through direct comparison of endocarps and adult tree genotypes.     

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 12 microsatellite loci for Rhamnus alaternus (Rhamnaceae)

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for Rhamnus alaternus using an enriched-library approach. We detected 69 alleles in 49 individuals genotyped (mean number of alleles per locus was 4.79) in two different populations. The values of observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.045 to 0.963 and 0.089 to 0.873 respectively. Levels of polymorphism and the exclusionary power of the developed markers render them readily applicable for studies of contemporary pollen and seed gene flow through parentage analyses.     

Isolation and characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for Neochamaelea pulverulenta (Cneoraceae)

We report 13 polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci for Neochamaelea pulverulenta (Cneoraceae) using an enriched-library approach. Although this plant species is tetraploid, expected patterns for tetrasomic segregation were completely absent, and all loci analysed showed a diploid pattern of inheritance. We detected a total of 102 alleles in 57 individuals genotyped (mean number of alleles per locus was 7.85). The values of observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.193 to 0.737 and 0.425 to 0.812 respectively. Disomic segregation, levels of polymorphism and the exclusionary power of the developed markers render them readily applicable for parentage assignment of dispersed seeds, and for analyses of spatial genetic structure and population connectivity.     

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Neotropical fish Prochilodus argenteus (Characiformes,Prochilodontidae)

Prochilodus species inhabit the main river systems of South America and usually present commercial value to inland fishing. In the present study, we describe the isolation and characterization of 13 novel microsatellite loci in Prochilodus argenteus. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus varied from four to 22 and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.333 to 0.893. Additionally, cross‐species amplification was successful in two other Prochilodus species. These loci will be useful for studies of the population genetic structure in this fish group.     

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the aquatic fungus Tetracladium marchalianum

We have identified eight polymorphic microsatellite loci from the aquatic haploid fungus Tetracladium marchalianum. Microsatellite polymorphism was evaluated using 90 fungal isolates, each of single spore origin, from submerged leaves in Illinois and Wisconsin rivers in the USA. The number of alleles observed for a single locus ranged from three to 13, with up to 10 observed from a population. These genetic markers will be useful to evaluate population structure, genotypic diversity, and the reproductive mode of T. marchalianum.     

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera

Few population genetics studies have been carried out on major locust species. In particular, an understanding of the population genetic structure of the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera, is lacking. We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite loci in C. terminifera, and described experimental conditions for polymerase chain reaction multiplexing and genotyping these loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 11 to 29 and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.797 to 0.977. One locus was found to be X-linked. Results of cross-taxon amplification tests are reported in four species of the Oedipodinae subfamily.     

Pollination by deceit in nutmeg (Myristica insipida, Myristicaceae): floral displays and beetle activity at male and female trees

Pollination by deceit in Myristica insipida, a beetle-pollinated nutmeg, was hypothesized to operate on intersexual differences in flower production and longevity, producing a daily fluctuation between floral display maxima and minima. Sticky traps were used to continuously monitor beetle activity. Flower production and naturally occurring intersexual differences in display were recorded. Male and female trees flowered in synchrony producing daily display maxima at 1800-0600 and display minima at 1400-1800. Rewarding male trees produced three times the number of flowers of female trees, but the greater longevity of female flowers reduced the intersexual difference in display maxima to a factor of two. There was no intersexual difference in display minima. Beetles were demonstrated to be sensitive to differences in both maximum and minimum displays on rewarding male trees, a necessary prerequisite for directional selection on display size. Beetle captures were significantly higher at male trees during floral display maxima, and no intersexual differences in capture rate occurred during floral display minima. However, capture rates at male trees did not decline as predicted, and the pattern of captures was consistent with crepuscular activity. Beetle captures at male and female trees were lower from 1800 to 0600 and 1000 to 1400, and higher from 0600 to 1000 and 1400 to 1800, but the differences were only significant at female trees. These data suggests that foraging errors are numerous, frequent, and the result of overall foraging activity.     

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Chinese medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae)

Artemisia annua is an important medicinal plant from which Artemisinin was extracted to cure malaria effectively. We developed eight microsatellite markers from the genome of A. annua using the FIASCO protocol. Polymorphism of each locus was assessed in 54 individuals from two Chinese populations. The average allele number of these microsatellites was 3.1 per locus, ranging from 2 to 6. The observed (H _O) and expected (H _E) heterozygosity were from 0.019 to 0.907 and from 0.055 to 0.793, respectively. These microsatellite markers would provide a useful tool for genetic studies of A. annua. H.-R. Huang and G. Zhou have contributed equally to this work.     

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci markers for the barnacle Balanus amphitrite (syn. Amphibalanus amphitrite) Darwin 1854

Balanus amphitrite is a widespread species of barnacle. It is frequently studied, and of great importance to the marine coatings industry due to its significant abundance as a fouling organism on commercial shipping. We isolated and characterized eight highly polymorphic microsatellite loci, to aid in the determination of population genetic structure within this species. All loci showed considerable genetic variation with the number of alleles ranging from two to 14. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.74 to 0.98.     

Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for the spotted babylon, Babylonia areolata (Buccinidae)

The spotted babylon, Babylonia areolata, is one of the most extensively cultured marine mollusks in southeast Asia. Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for this species, from a microsatellite-enriched library. These markers, characterized in 32 individuals from a hatchery population, were polymorphic, with allele numbers ranging from 6 to 18 per locus, expected and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.68 to 0.94 and 0.56 to 0.81, respectively. One locus (HUBA09) showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, probably due to the presence of null alleles. These microsatellite loci should be useful for future population genetic studies and marker-assisted breeding in this species.     

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci developed and characterized from Townsend's big-eared bat, Corynorhinus townsendii

Two of the five subspecies of the western big-eared bat, Corynorhinus townsendii, are listed as federally endangered with the remaining three being of conservation concern. Knowing the degree of connectivity among populations would aid in the establishment of sound conservation and management plans for this taxon. For this purpose, we have developed and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite markers.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Haageocereus (Trichocereeae, Cactaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellites were isolated from two species of the genus Haageocereus (H. tenuis and H. pseudomelanostele) to be applied in studies of genetic diversity and population structure. ? Methods and Results: Five loci were employed in a preliminary study of genetic diversity and population differentiation in two rare (H. tenuis and H. repens) and two widespread (H. acranthus and H. pseudomelanostele) species, yielding between one and 44 alleles per locus. All five loci were polymorphic, with overall levels of observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.478 to 0.871 and from 0.564 to 0.956, respectively. Three additional loci were scored in H. pseudomelanostele. These eight plus the remaining 11 loci were amplified from putative parents of three hybrids involving Haageocereus and Espostoa. ? Conclusions: These markers will facilitate analysis of genetic diversity, hybridization, and population differentiation throughout Haageocereus and Espostoa.     

Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci for the trematode Curtuteria australis (Echinostomatidae)

Ten polymorphic loci were isolated and characterised from the intertidal New Zealand trematode Curtuteria australis. This common parasite manipulates the burrowing behaviour of its abundant bivalve host Austrovenus stutchburyi, with cascading impacts on the biodiversity of intertidal communities. Observed heterozygosities of the 10 loci ranged from 0.500 to 0.905, and three to 14 alleles were detected in 24 trematode metacercariae. These loci are currently being used to investigate the molecular ecology of this species within its intermediate hosts.     

Eight new tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the agile frog (Rana dalmatina)

We describe eight new polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from the agile frog (Rana dalmatina). In 25 individuals from the Nature Reserve Lüneburger Heide (Lower Saxony, Germany), the number of alleles per locus ranged from four to nine and average observed heterozygosities from 69.1% to 80.7%. No evidence for linkage disequilibrium was found and none of the loci showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. These microsatellite DNA markers are suitable tools for addressing population genetics issues in this endangered species.     

Eight new polymorphic microsatellite loci for genetic analyses in the endangered common hamster (Cricetus cricetus L.)

We developed primers for eight polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered common hamster (Cricetus cricetus L.). Population genetic parameters were analysed on the basis of 70 adult individuals captured from a single population. Allele numbers per locus ranged from eight to 17. Expected and observed heterozygosities per locus ranged from 0.67 to 0.91 and from 0.41 to 0.8, respectively.     

Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers in the Andalusian belladonna (Atropa baetica, Solanaceae)

We report on the isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite markers from enriched libraries for the critically endangered Atropa baetica. These are the first microsatellite loci reported for Atropa species. The total number of alleles found was 18, the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.198 to 0.505. These markers will be useful to establish the real census of individuals and the genetic diversity both within and among the different populations of A. baetica.     

Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus)

Eastern chipmunks are small forest rodents for which ecological data at multiple spatial scales exist, but no molecular markers have been developed that provide adequate resolution to examine genetic structure at fine scales in this species. Thus, we developed 12 variable microsatellite loci, which amplified in three multiplexed reactions, and screened them in 27 individuals from northern Indiana, USA. Observed heterozygosities across loci ranged from 0.26 to 0.91 and number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 10. We will use these markers along with ecological data to understand population dynamics of eastern chipmunks at small spatial scales.