Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in the tropical arboreal palm Oenocarpus bacaba (Arecaceae)

Studies of mating patterns are needed to determine how habitat heterogeneity created by deforestation influences tropical plant populations. Eight microsatellite loci were isolated with a subtractive hybridization method for Oenocarpus bacaba (Arecaceae), a subcanopy palm tree at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, near Manaus, Brazil. Additionally, two heterospecific loci originally developed for the heart palm Euterpe edulis were shown to be variable. Loci averaged 9.6 alleles per locus. Five loci did not fit Hardy–Weinberg expectations with significant deficits of heterozygous genotypes consistent with null alleles. Many loci had high average probabilities of paternity exclusion.     

Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in Lupinus group Microcarpi (Leguminosae)

Microsatellite loci are described for Lupinus group Microcarpi (Leguminosae), an assemblage of annual plants primarily inhabiting western North America. In all, 188 unique microsatellite loci were isolated, and seven loci (averaging 9.6 alleles each) have been developed as polymorphic markers for estimating population structure and outcrossing rates in Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus and var. horizontalis. Departures from Hardy–Weinberg expected frequencies of heterozygotes are consistent with structured populations and autogamous or mixed mating systems. Several loci were amplified successfully in other species of Lupinus, demonstrating the potential utility of these markers beyond group Microcarpi.     

Identification and characterization of (GA/CT) n - microsatellite loci from Quercus petraea

In this study a size selected genomic library from Quercus petraea was screened for (GA/CT)_n-microsatellite sequences. The resulting loci were analysed by PCR for their usefulness as molecular markers in Q. petraea and Q. robur. 17 out of 52 tested primer pairs resulted in the amplification of a polymorphic single-locus pattern. The number of alleles found per locus varied from 6 to 16. Combining the genetic variation observed for the characterized loci provides a unique genotype for all the individuals tested. Using intraspecific controlled crosses of Q. robur trees Mendelian inheritance could be shown for five loci.     

Isolation and characterization of 15 microsatellite loci in the Korean goral (Nemorhaedus caudatus)

Microsatellites have been applied in a variety of fields, including conservation genetics. Species‐specific microsatellites are considered as more powerful genetic markers to generate an accurate genetic composition of a species itself. Accordingly, we characterized 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Korean goral, Nemorhaedus caudatus, one of the most endangered species in South Korea. The new markers should benefit future studies of the endangered species of other Asian gorals and their relatives for the study of genetic diversity and potential conservation management.     

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers in Populus euphratica (Populaceae)

In this study, we developed 12 microsatellite loci for Populus euphratica and checked their variability in 27 individuals. The number of alleles for 12 loci ranged from five to nine, the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.32 to 0.48 and from 0.53 to 0.67. Frequencies of null alleles of all loci are not significantly greater than zero. None of the loci showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No significant linkage disequilibrium was observed between pairs of studied loci. These markers are useful in studies of population genetic structure of P. euphratica.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the forage species Arachis pintoi (Genus Arachis)

Arachis pintoi is an alternative to forage production in the tropics. Its germplasm comprises more than 150 accessions, that could be used to improve it. Our objective was the isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in A. pintoi to be used to molecular evaluation of this germplasm and of A. repens (section Caulorrhizae ). Seven loci were analyzed using five accessions of A. repens and 20 accessions of A. pintoi . The high variation found makes clear the high potential of this marker in genetic studies in these species. The developed markers showed total transferability to A. repens .     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)

Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci from Lasiopodomys brandtii have been isolated and characterized. Two to 11 alleles per locus were detected from 52 Brandt's voles samples collected from a single population. Expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.406 to 0.840. For the majority of loci observed heterozygosities were similar to or greater than the expected heterozygosity. One locus pair appeared to be in linkage disequilibrium. The microsatellite markers will enable the studies of genetic diversity, population structure and relatedness in this species, and perhaps in closely related species of vole.     

Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in Pinus pinaster Ait

We developed 20 polymorphic nuclear microsatellites from Pinus pinaster using genomic libraries enriched with repeated motifs. A total of 25 individuals from five different populations were used to estimate genetic diversity parameters.     

Identification and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen)

Despite recognition of the western drywood termite, Incisitermes minor (Hagen), as one of the most economically important and destructive termite species in the USA, both its population and colony breeding structure genetically remain unclear. Here, we present primer sequences and initial characterization for 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci. In a sample of 30 individuals, representing six geographically distinct locations collected in California, USA, three to 15 alleles were detected segregating per locus. Within a single population observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.050 to 0.866.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from two inbreeding bark beetle species (Coccotrypes)

We developed 14 microsatellite markers in Coccotrypes carpophagus and 14 in C. dactyliperda. These loci will be used for studying genetic structure and the level of inbreeding in populations in the Canary Islands and Madeira. As a result of long‐term inbreeding, genetic variability is relatively low in these bark beetle species. We found one to five alleles per locus in 29 C. carpophagus and 41 C. dactyliperda from various localities. Eleven of the markers developed for C. carpophagus amplified in C. dactyliperda and seven of the markers developed for C. dactyliperda amplified in C. carpophagus.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for mountain mullet (Agonostomus monticola)

We report on the isolation of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci from mountain mullet (Agonostomus monticola). In the two populations sampled, loci exhibited two to 21 alleles and observed heterozygosity values ranged from 0.222 to 1.000. All loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations, and none exhibited linkage disequilibrium. Although A. monticola is an important subsistence fishery in parts of its range, little is known about its ecology and many populations appear to be experiencing declines. These microsatellite loci should prove useful in the study of population structure of A. monticola and aid in other potential conservation efforts such as the management of hatchery broodstock.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)

We report on the development of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) using a combination of enriched and unenriched subgenomic libraries. Based on the small percentage of positive clones in the unenriched library (0.4%) it appears that microsatellites are very scarce in nurse shark genomes. Numbers of alleles at polymorphic loci ranged from two to 15; observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.17 to 0.90. We expect these loci to be useful for studies of breeding structure and paternity.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Hemibarbus labeo (Cyprinidae) using PCR‐based isolation of microsatellite arrays (PIMA)

A total of 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Hemibarbus labeo were isolated and characterized using an optimized protocol to construct a microsatellite‐enriched genomic library. The analysis of variability was performed in 24 specimens of mainland China. The mean number of alleles across loci was 3.10 ± 1.10 and the level of expected heterozygosity varied from 0.0417 to 0.7482. Frequencies of null alleles of the 10 loci are not significantly greater than zero. No linkage disequilibrium was detected between loci in either population. Five primer pairs cross‐amplify the microsatellites in other species, indicating transportability of the markers within the family Cyprinidae.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the apple maggot fly Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae)

We report the isolation and development of 81 novel primers for amplifying microsatellite loci in the Rhagoletis pomonella sibling species complex, and the sequencing, characterization and analysis of basic population genetic parameters for nine of these genes. We also report the successful cross‐species amplification of several of these loci. The R. pomonella sibling species complex is a textbook example of genetic differentiation in sympatry via host‐plant shifting. Microsatellite markers can be useful for mapping host‐plant‐associated adaptations in Rhagoletis that generate reproductive isolation and facilitate speciation, as well as for resolving the genetic structure and evolutionary history of fly populations.     

Isolation and characterization of 18 new polymorphic microsatellite loci for the swordfish, Xiphias gladius

Eighteen microsatellite loci (13 di- and 5 tri-repeats) were isolated from swordfish and characterized in two populations from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 29 and the observed heterozygosity from 0.302 to 0.953. All but one locus conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations and there was no evidence for linkage disequilibrium between loci.     

Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in the anadromous marine fish Morone saxatilis

Molecular genetic studies of population structure and gene flow are commonly employed in fish stock assessment and breeding population delineation. Genetically structured breeding populations may have different effective population sizes, distinct reproductive rates and variable susceptibility to harvesting or breeding habitat degradation. Nine microsatellite loci were isolated for Morone saxatilis (Moronidae), an anadromous fish inhabiting the mid‐Atlantic. Microsatellite loci were isolated with a subtractive hybridization method and will be used to estimate population structure. The loci averaged 8.5 alleles each. Seven loci in the Choptank population and two loci in the Potomac population deviated from Hardy–Weinberg expected frequencies of heterozygotes.     

Isolation and characterization of 11 microsatellite loci from the black fly, Simulium negativum (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and developed from the black fly, Simulium negativum, a member of the Simulium arcticum sibling species complex. The observed heterozygosity of the 11 loci ranged from 0.03 to 0.83. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 8 to 19. Significant linkage disequilibria were encountered only for the primer pairs BF7-1 with BF7-5 and BF6-32 with BF7-16. Presumably, these microsatellite loci can be used to study genetic structure within the entire S. arcticum complex.     

Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in the tropical tree Corythophora alta (Lecythidaceae)

Studies of tropical plant population structure and gene flow are needed to estimate genetic repercussions of tropical deforestation. Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated for Corythophora alta (Lecythidaceae), a canopy tree at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, near Manaus, Brazil. These microsatellites will be used to estimate population structure and infer seed paternity. Loci were isolated with a subtractive hybridization method. Loci averaged 10.7 alleles per locus with high levels of heterozygosity. Four loci had significant deficits and one locus had a significant excess of heterozygotes compared to Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Many loci had high average probabilities of paternity exclusion.     

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 microsatellite loci in the deep-sea marine fish, the roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris)

We developed polymerase chain reaction primers for eight dinucleotide microsatellite loci in the marine deep sea fish, roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris). All markers were obtained from a partial genomic DNA library, and characterized in 90 unrelated individuals from one putative population sampled on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The number of alleles ranged from two to 61 with an average of 21 per locus. The observed heterozygosity levels ranged from 0.301 to 0.987 with an average of 0.672. Several of the markers amplified multiple alleles from either the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) or the deep-sea fish roughhead grenadier (Macrourus berglax).