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Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Lochmaea suturalis , the heather beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest in Europe and a biocontrol agent in New Zealand
Author(s) -
HARMAN HELEN M.,
WEIR BEVAN S.,
WELLS SARAH J.,
HOWITT ROBYN L. J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
molecular ecology resources
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.96
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1755-0998
pISSN - 1755-098X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2008.02448.x
Subject(s) - biology , microsatellite , loss of heterozygosity , locus (genetics) , biological pest control , pest analysis , population , allele , zoology , ecology , genetics , botany , demography , gene , sociology
The heather beetle Lochmaea suturalis which is native to northwest Europe has been released as a biocontrol agent for heather in New Zealand. We have isolated and optimized eight microsatellite loci from New Zealand beetles. These loci provide markers with high polymorphism ranging from four to 20 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity averaged 0.631 per locus. These results suggest the markers are useful for population studies that will contribute to assessment of L. suturalis as a biocontrol agent.