Development of microsatellite markers for a monotypic and globally endangered species, Glyptostrobus pensilis (Cupressaceae)

Abstract

Premise of the Study: Microsatellite markers were developed to facilitate studies of genetic diversity and structure in Glyptostrobus pensilis, a critically endangered and monotypic conifer species. Methods and Results: Using restriction site–associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq), we developed 10 polymorphic and 27 monomorphic microsatellite markers. Polymorphism was characterized using 333 individuals from nine populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 14 at the population level. The levels of observed and unbiased expected heterozygosities varied from 0.058 to 0.844 and 0.219 to 0.583, respectively. Nine of these 10 polymorphic markers were successfully cross-amplified in Taxodium distichum, the species most closely related to G. pensilis. Conclusions: These microsatellite markers can be used to reveal the genetic diversity in existing populations of G. pensilis, enabling its conservation and restoration.