Development of microsatellite loci for the endangered seagrass Zostera japonica (Zosteraceae)

Abstract

Premise of the study: New microsatellite markers were developed for the Asian endangered seagrass Zostera japonica (Zos- teraceae) to assess genetic diversity and population structure of this species. In China, Z. japonica populations have drastically decreased since the 1970s. • Methods and Results: A total of 12 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in Z. ja- ponica. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 11. The expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.772 and from 0 to 1.000, respectively. • Conclusions: The new microsatellites will be useful in evaluating clonality and population structure of Z. japonica and aiding in conservation and management of the endangered seagrass in Asia.