Development and Characterization of a Novel set of Microsatellite Markers for Arisaema Serratum (Araceae)

Abstract

Premise of the study: We developed novel microsatellite markers in Arisaema serratum, a perennial herb that possesses pitfall flowers and exhibits labile sex expression, to facilitate research on parentage and pollination biology in this species. Methods and Results: By using procedures for enrichment of desired microsatellite-containing fragments and PCR-based isolation of microsatellite arrays, we detected 18 novel microsatellite loci. Thirteen were highly polymorphic: the number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 46, the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.320 to 0.940, and the expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.440 to 0.976. Nine of the 13 markers successfully amplified regions in congeneric species. Conclusions: These highly polymorphic markers will facilitate further studies on the mode of pollination and other aspects of reproductive biology in A. serratum. © 2011 Botanical Society of America.