Microsatellite marker development for Galax urceolata (Diapensiaceae)

Abstract

Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Galax urceolata to investigate genetic diversity, population structure, and polyploid origins (auto- vs. allopolyploid), and to estimate the minimum number of independent cytotype origins. Methods and Results: Ten primer sets have been developed, and preliminary study indicates that all loci are appropriate for population-level genetic investigations. All loci are polymorphic with 6 to 46 alleles per locus. Expected heterozygosity ranges from 0.1007 to 0.6085. Conclusions: The microsatellite markers presented will facilitate analyses of polyploid origins, genetic diversity, geographic structure, and gene flow. © 2011 Botanical Society of America.