Microsatellite Markers for the High Andean Species Schizanthus Hookeri and S. Grahamii (Solanaceae)

Abstract

Premise of the study: Seven microsatellite loci were developed for the two closely related high Andean species Schizanthus hookeri and S. grahamii. These species are annual to biannual herbs with zygomorphic and showy flowers that differ in floral morphology, autonomous selfing capacity, and in the identities of major flower visitors. Methods and Results: Polymorphisms were evaluated in a total of 45 plants, including individuals from two populations of S. grahamii and one population of S. hookeri. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine in each population. We also tested these loci for cross-amplification in another seven species of the genus. Four primer pairs amplified in these seven species. Conclusions: Characterized microsatellites are conserved in the closely related species S. hookeri and S. grahamii, and they have enough polymorphism to be used in future studies of their mating systems and genetic structure. © 2011 Botanical Society of America.