Development of microsatellite loci for Aconitum gymnandrum (Ranunculaceae), a species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Premise of the study: Polymorphic microsatellite loci primers were developed in an alpine plant endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Aconitum gymnandrum, to investigate its population genetic structure and cryptic speciation. Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture method, 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified in 66 individuals from six geographically distant populations of A. gymnandrum. Across all the A. gymnandrum samples, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 15. Conclusions: These markers will be useful to study population structure and cryptic speciation of A. gymnandrum. © 2011 Botanical Society of America.