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Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the symbiotic fungi cultivated by leaf cutter ants (Attini, Formicidae)
Author(s) -
SCOTT JARROD J.,
WESKIN MATTHEW K.,
COOPER MICHAEL,
MUELLER ULRICH G.
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.1755-0998.2009.02684.x
Subject(s) - biology , microsatellite , fungus , fungal pathogen , botany , monoculture , genetic variation , allele , ecology , genetics , pathogen , gene
We developed 23 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the symbiotic fungi cultivated by leaf cutter ants, then assessed allelic variation in North American leafcutter‐fungus populations (Mexico, Cuba, USA). Polyploidy was indicated by 21 of the 23 loci, consistent with the multinucleate nature of leafcutter fungi. Microsatellite fingerprinting can now assess fungal genetic variation within leafcutter nests to test for monoculture of the cultivated fungi.