Development and characterization of 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci for Amentotaxus argotaenia (Taxaceae), a relict vulnerable species

Abstract

Premise of the StudyNew microsatellite markers were developed for the vulnerable conifer species Amentotaxus argotaenia (Taxaceae) to investigate population genetic variation and the effects of environmental heterogeneity on genetic structure.Methods and ResultsA total of 27 microsatellite loci were developed from A. argotaenia through a Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol, of which 23 were polymorphic. These markers yielded 1–13 alleles and 1.0–7.9 effective alleles per locus; levels of observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.000–1.000 and 0.000–0.873, respectively. In total, 18 of the markers were transferable to the related species A. yunnanensis.ConclusionsThese polymorphic markers are a valuable genetic resource for investigating population genetic variation and the potential for local adaptation in A. argotaenia.