Open AccessIn silico detection of polymorphic microsatellites in the endangered Isis tamarind, Alectryon ramiflorus (Sapindaceae)
Author(s) -
Nichols Joel,
Conroy Gabriel C.,
Kasinadhuni Naga,
Lamont Robert W.,
Ogbourne Steven M.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
applications in plant sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 23
ISSN - 2168-0450
DOI - 10.1002/aps3.1196
Subject(s) - biology , microsatellite , genetic diversity , loss of heterozygosity , inbreeding , endangered species , evolutionary biology , in silico , population , genetics , allele , ecology , gene , demography , sociology , habitat
Premise of the Study Alectryon ramiflorus (Sapindaceae) is an endangered rainforest tree known from only two populations. In this study, we identified polymorphic microsatellites, in silico, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of microsatellite development of nonmodel species. The development of genetic markers will support future conservation management of the species. Methods and Results We used next‐generation sequencing and bioinformatics to detect polymorphic microsatellites, in silico, reducing both the time and cost of marker development. A panel of 15 microsatellites, 12 of which were polymorphic, were subsequently characterized in 64 adult trees representing the entire species range. Mean observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.471 and 0.425, respectively. The polymorphism information content across loci ranged from 0.152 to 0.875. Conclusions The microsatellite markers developed in this study will be useful in gaining an understanding of A. ramiflorus ’ genetic diversity, level of inbreeding, and population structure and for guiding future restoration and management efforts.