Microsatellite markers for the relictual dove tree, Davidia involucrata (Cornaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for the dove tree, Davidia involucrata (Cornaceae), a Tertiary relict currently endemic to China, to investigate its population genetics and phylogeography. ? Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol, nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified and screened in 44 individuals from three wild populations of D. involucrata. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to three, while the observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.0000 to 0.6000 and from 0.0000 to 0.6323, respectively. ? Conclusions: These new microsatellite loci will facilitate further studies of the population genetics and phylogeography of D. involucrata, as well as of the evolutionary history of the plant and other Tertiary relicts endemic to East Asia.     

Development of microsatellite markers for the dove tree, Davidia involucrata (Nyssaceae), a rare endemic from China

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the endangered Davidia involucrata to assess the population genetics and infer its evolutionary history. ? Methods and Results: Using both the modified magnetic bead hybridization method and the dual-suppression PCR method, we isolated and characterized 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci using 134 individuals from five populations in southwestern China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 21 (mean = 10.8). The expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.404 to 0.918 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.015 to 0.821. ? Conclusions: All of the 12 microsatellite markers developed for D. involucrata are polymorphic, and lay a solid foundation for further studies of the population genetics of this famous tree.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered tree Diplopanax stachyanthus (Araliaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Diplopanax stachyanthus to investigate the population genetics of this endangered tree. ? Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 15 microsatellite markers were developed in D. stachyanthus and evaluated for their variability in 25 samples from a natural population. For the 11 polymorphic loci, the number of alleles ranged from two to eight, while the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.5200 to 0.7600 and 0.4200 to 0.7813, respectively. Their cross-taxa transferability was also examined in Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Tetrapanax papyrifer, Cornus controversa, and Dendrobenthamia japonica var. chinensis, and four to 15 loci proved amplifiable in these species. ? Conclusions: These microsatellite markers could be employed to investigate the population genetics of D. stachyanthus, and may potentially be applicable to other related species.     

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 for Dimorphandra mollis (Leguminosae), a widespread tree from the Brazilian cerrado

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Dimorphandra mollis (Leguminosae), a widespread tree in the Brazilian cerrado (a savanna-like vegetation). ? Methods and Results: Microsatellite markers were developed from an enriched library. The analyses of polymorphism were based on 56 individuals from three populations. Nine microsatellite loci were polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from three to 10 across populations. The observed and expected heterozygosities per locus and population ranged from 0.062 to 0.850 and from 0.062 to 0.832, respectively. ? Conclusions: These microsatellites provide an efficient tool for population genetics studies and will be used to assess the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of D. mollis.     

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 markers for the endangered root holoparasite Dactylanthus taylorii (Balanophoraceae) from 454 pyrosequencing

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were isolated and developed as polymorphic markers for the New Zealand endemic root holoparasite Dactylanthus taylorii for use in population and conservation genetics studies. ? Methods and Results: Shotgun 454 pyrosequencing was performed on genomic DNA pooled from three individuals of D. taylorii. From 61709 individual sequence reads, primers for 753 microsatellite loci were developed in silico and 72 of these were tested for consistent amplification and variability. Ten microsatellite loci were found to be polymorphic and consistently scorable when screened in 44 individuals from five geographically distant populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 16 with an average of 9.7, and average observed heterozygosity per locus was between 0.182 and 0.634. ? Conclusions: These polymorphic microsatellite markers establish an important resource for ongoing conservation initiatives and planned population genetic studies of D. taylorii.     

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.     

New microsatellite markers for the rare plant Cercidiphyllum japonicum and their utility for Cercidiphyllum magnificum

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Cercidiphyllum japonicum to study population genetics of this endangered species native to both eastern China and Japan. ? Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing Repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 12 microsatellite markers that were successfully amplified showed polymorphism when tested on 33 individuals from two populations in eastern China and Japan. Overall, the number of alleles per locus ranged between 5 and 18. Eleven markers could be easily amplified and were polymorphic in C. magnificum. ? Conclusions: These results indicate that these microsatellite markers are adequate for detecting and characterizing population genetic structure in Cercidiphyllum at fine and range-wide geographical scales.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from Clematoclethra scandens (Actinidiaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite makers were developed for Clematoclethra scandens to investigate its population genetics and speciation. ? Methods and Results: A total of 36 microsatellite markers were isolated using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) method. Their polymorphisms were assessed in two natural populations. The results showed that 30 markers displayed prominent polymorphisms and six markers were monomorphic. ? Conclusions: These microsatellite loci will facilitate further studies on population genetics and speciation of C. scandens.     

Development of microsatellite loci for the endangered species Pityopsis ruthii (Asteraceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for the endangered species Pityopsis ruthii and will permit genetic and conservation studies of the species. ? Methods and Results: A microsatellite-enriched library was used to develop 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for P. ruthii. The loci amplified perfect and imperfect repeats with three to seven alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.80 and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.23 to 0.75. ? Conclusions: These microsatellite loci provide a sufficient set of markers for further investigation of population genetics of P. ruthii.     

Development of 12 microsatellite markers for Platycrater arguta (Hydrangeaceae) endemic to East Asia

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were characterized in Platycrater arguta, a rare endemic shrub from eastern China and southern Japan, to investigate its population genetic structure, phylogeographic patterns, and breeding system. ? Methods and Results: Using both the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol and the compound microsatellite marker technique, we developed 12 microsatellite markers. All primers showed polymorphism when assessed in 43 individuals from two populations in eastern China and southern Japan. Overall, the number of alleles ranged from five to 21, with an average of 14.91 alleles per locus. ? Conclusions: These markers can be used in further studies on population genetics, phylogeography, and breeding system of P. arguta.     

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite markers for Arctium minus (Compositae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the invasive plant Arctium minus to investigate the effects of facultative self-pollination and the biannual habit on population genetic structure, as well as the colonization of the Americas by this Eurasian species. ? Methods and Results: Sixteen di- and trinucleotide microsatellite loci were identified in six populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 10, observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.897, and the mean value of F(IS) was 0.316. ? Conclusions: These results indicate the utility of these loci in future studies of population genetics in A. minus.     

Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers in Michelia maudiae (Magnoliaceae)

? Premise of the study: Michelia maudiae is a threatened species in the Magnoliaceae. Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized in M. maudiae for further investigation of its conservation genetics. ? Methods and Results: Microsatellite markers were developed in M. maudiae using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing Repeats protocol. Ten polymorphic microsatellites were assessed in two populations of M. maudiae. The number of alleles detected per locus varied from 1 to 8. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.792 and from 0.000 to 0.826, respectively. Six primer pairs showed transferability in the two related species Michelia foveolata and Michelia chapensis. ? Conclusions: This set of microsatellite markers provides a useful tool for future studies of the conservation genetics of M. maudiae and other congeneric species.     

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.     

Development, characterization, and transferability of microsatellite markers for Kirengeshoma palmata (Hydrangeaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Kirengeshoma palmata to assess the population genetics and mating pattern of this critically endangered species. ? Methods and Results: A total of 24 microsatellite markers were developed for K. palmata using an enrichment protocol. These markers were screened in 37 individuals from four populations in China and Japan, and twelve were found to be polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to eight. All of these primers also amplified in K. koreana. ? Conclusions: These microsatellite markers provide a useful tool to investigate the mating system, gene flow, parentage, and population dynamics of Kirengeshoma.     

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.     

Development of microsatellite markers for the moss Ptychomitrium gardneri (Ptychomitriaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Ptychomitrium gardneri to study population genetics of this eastern Asian-North American disjunct moss. ? Methods and Results: A total of 13 microsatellite markers were developed in Chinese populations of P. gardneri, using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining Repeats protocol. Eight of the markers showed polymorphism when assessed in a sample of four populations of 29 individuals from China. These markers amplified three to four alleles per locus. Five primers also amplified in P. linearifolium and P. wilsonii. ? Conclusions: These markers may be useful for further investigation of population genetics of P. gardneri.     

Microsatellite loci for Gossypium davidsonii (Malvaceae) and other D-genome, Sonoran Desert endemic cotton species

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers previously developed for domesticated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum; tetraploid) were screened for their utility in investigating genetic structure and gene flow within G. davidsonii and five other wild, Mexican, D-genome cotton species (all diploid). ? Methods and Results: We screened 50 microsatellite primer pairs from the Cotton Marker Database, identifying 10 loci as polymorphic within G. davidsonii. In genotyping approximately 200 individuals from four populations, we found that the number of alleles per locus ranged from seven to 17, and mean observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.145 to 0.492 and from 0.436 to 0.734, respectively. We genotyped six to 20 individuals from each of the remaining species, finding these 10 loci to cross-amplify in all cases and in most cases to be polymorphic. ? Conclusions: These markers may be useful for further investigation of population genetics of G. davidsonii and other wild D-genome cotton species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai (Cupressaceae)1

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for the endemic Japanese species Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai for studies on forest ecology and tree breeding. ? Methods and Results: We characterized 10 dinucleotide microsatellite loci by screening primers developed using a simple sequence repeat-enriched library. The number of alleles per locus ranged from eight to 44 with an average of 20.3. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.326 to 0.854 and from 0.670 to 0.976, respectively. ? Conclusions: The development of these markers can be used to assess useful genetic information for ecological studies and tree breeding in T. dolabrata var. hondai.