Characterization of microsatellite loci in Brighamia insignis and transferability to other genera in the Hawai‘ian lobelioid group

Abstract

Premise: Microsatellite markers were developed to measure genetic diversity and relatedness of ex situ collections of Brighamia insignis (Campanulaceae). Methods and Results: Potential microsatellite markers were identified from two sources; 28 were developed for B. insignis and an additional 12 markers from a previously published study of Lobelia villosa. Primer pairs were tested on 30 individuals of B. insignis and 24 individuals of B. rockii to provide measures of genetic diversity and inbreeding. We assessed cross-species amplification in an additional 13 taxa that represented all six genera within the Hawai‘ian lobelioid group to determine the broader applicability of the markers. Conclusions: Results indicate that these primers will provide useful estimates of genetic diversity and relatedness of ex situ collections of both Brighamia species. In addition, we have also demonstrated the widespread applicability of these markers for use in population genetic studies of several species within the Hawai‘ian lobelioid group.