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The animal-mediated pollination and seed-dispersal mutualisms of Ficus species give them key roles in tropical ecosystems, but may make them vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. The development of highly polymorphic markers is needed to analyse their genetic diversity and investigate the effects of fragmentation on gene flow. Of thirteen microsatellite loci isolated from Ficus insipida, a monoecious species in French Guiana, eleven were polymorphic (two to six alleles each). High levels of variation were found among loci; expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.151 to 0.715. All markers revealed a broad cross-species affinity when tested in 23 other Ficus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dorsalis complex contains some of the most economically important fruit fly pests of the Asia–Pacific regions, including Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera papayae and Bactrocera carambolae. These species are morphologically indistinct and genetically very similar. We describe the development of 12 microsatellite markers isolated from a representative of the dorsalis complex, B. papayae. We show the potential utility of the B. papayae microsatellites and a set of microsatellites isolated from Bactrocera tryoni as population and species markers for the dorsalis complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-four new microsatellite markers were developed for genome mapping and population genetics studies in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). The amount of polymorphism, percentage heterozygosity and ability of each marker to amplify genomic DNA from other salmonids were recorded. Seven markers were observed to be duplicated in the rainbow trout genome by containing more than one allele in homozygous (clonal) fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-eight new microsatellite markers were developed for genome mapping and population genetics studies in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). The amount of polymorphism, percentage of heterozygosity and ability of each marker to amplify genomic DNA from other salmonids were recorded. Five markers were observed to be duplicated in the rainbow trout genome by containing more than one allele in homozygous (clonal) fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelliciera rhizophorae is a unique Neotropical mangrove species belonging to Pelliciera genus. We isolated eight microsatellite loci from this species. All loci were polymorphic and showed three to nine alleles per locus in Colombian Pacific and Caribbean populations. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.46 to 0.69. Two loci (PeRh-14 and PeRh-19) showed null alleles on the Caribbean coast, which suggest genetic differentiation between Pacific and Caribbean populations of P. rhizophorae. Development of these microsatellite loci constitutes a new molecular tool to carry out studies in the genome of the species and to evaluate its population dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the development of 30 polymorphic microsatellite markers for zoysiagrass Zoysia japonica Steud. The 30 markers produced a total of 125 alleles with an average of 4.2 alleles per locus. Values for observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.10 to 0.95 and from 0.15 to 0.81, respectively. At significance threshold ( P < 0.05), 11 loci deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, whereas significant linkage disequilibrium values were observed between 16 pairs of loci. These markers may provide information needed to select genetically diverse parents for developing breeding and mapping populations of zoysiagrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Opuntia (prickly pear) genus contains over 200 species. Six of them are endemic to the Galapagos archipelago. Although these cacti are ‘keystone’ species of the Galapagos’ semi-arid ecosystem, they have never been studied in detail. Because of their current threatened status and their important role in the ecosystem, we developed 16 microsatellite markers to study the population genetic structure of some of these species. These markers display a high level of polymorphism with numbers of alleles per locus ranging from six to 53. Results also revealed possible polyploidy in these cacti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Korean barbel, Hemibarbus mylodon, is an endangered freshwater species endemic to Korea. In order to undertake a conservation program for this species in Korea, it is essential to evaluate its genetic diversity and population structure. For this purpose, we developed 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers and examined their allelic variation using a total of 60 wild individuals collected from three different localities. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 26. The expected and observed heterozygosities per locus ranged from 0.19 to 0.94 and from 0.20 to 0.98, respectively. Significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations occurred in four loci. These markers will be useful for the assessment of genetic diversity for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nineteen microsatellite loci were isolated using an enrichment protocol from Aucoumea klaineana Pierre (Okoumé, Burseraceae), a tropical rainforest tree of Central Africa. Polymorphism was investigated using 56 trees distributed throughout Gabon (four trees from 14 populations). All loci were polymorphic, with the number of alleles ranging from two to 15. High levels of variation were found among loci, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.77. These loci will be useful for the in-depth analysis of population structure and phylogeographical variation throughout the distribution range of Okoumé. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe 10 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the eastern Canary Island lacertid lizard, Gallotia atlantica. Loci were isolated from a partial genomic library that had been enriched for AAAG repeat sequence. All loci were highly polymorphic (eight alleles or more) with observed heterozygosities from 0.75 to 1.00. At least four loci were successfully amplified and polymorphic in the Gran Canarian lacertid, Gallotia stehlini. These loci will be used to examine correlations between patterns of gene flow and recent volcanism on the island of Lanzarote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five variable microsatellite loci are reported for the nonbiting midge species Chironomus riparius and Chironomus piger. All loci show considerable intraspecific variation and species-specific alleles, which allow to discriminate among the two closely related species and their interspecific hybrids, and to estimate genetic diversity within and between populations. Additionally, the loci were localized on C. riparius polytene chromosomes to verify their single copy status and investigate possible chromosomal linkage. The described markers are used in different studies with regard to population and ecological genetics and evolutionary ecotoxicology of Chironomus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci from a Japanese flounder partial genomic library are reported. The eight markers isolated in this study were highly polymorphic and their positions on the linkage genome map of the Japanese flounder were determined. Therefore, they are useful for ecological studies of wild populations. These markers are more effective than other markers with no information of chromosomal locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population genetics and systematics of coccidian parasites of the genus Sarcocystis remain poorly defined, notwithstanding their relevency to veterinary and human health. Despite opportunities for sexual recombination, nonrecombinant parasite clones characterized by distinct transmission and pathogenesis traits persist in related parasites (i.e. Toxoplasma gondii). In order to determine whether this may be generally true for parasitic coccidia, and to address evolutionary and taxonomic problems within the genus Sarcocystis, we isolated 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers (four to 14 alleles) for Sarcocystis neurona, the major causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsatellite markers for mango ( Mangifera indica L.) were developed using a genomic library enriched for (GA) n and (GT) n dinucleotide repeats. A subset of 41 positive clones was sequenced and primers were designed. Twenty-eight primer pairs produced polymorphic amplification products for a diversity sample including 15 mango cultivars and two accessions from the related species Mangifera laurina and Mangifera applanata. Nineteen simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci with clear scorable patterns were chosen to study diversity in the mango germplasm bank of Guadalupe (FWI). The number of alleles ranged from three to 13 with observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.059 to 0.857. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anabrus simplex is an economically significant crop pest in the western United States and is a model organism for studying the influence of sex role reversal on sperm allocation and utilization patterns and population genetics. We isolated seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in Anabrus simplex, and within population allele numbers ranged from 10 to 25. High polymorphism is not unusual for Orthopteran insects, although observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.24 to 0.91 and were lower than expected heterozygosities, suggesting null alleles. These microsatellites will greatly facilitate studies of postcopulatory reproductive isolation in nuptial gift-giving insects and historical phylogenetics in the Rocky Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have isolated and characterized five microsatellite loci from Rhizopogon occidentalis and six loci from Rhizopogon vulgaris (Boletales, Basidiomycota). Microsatellite variation was assessed using 32 R. occidentalis and 48 R. vulgaris individuals from four populations in California. The number of alleles across populations ranged from two to 10 for R. occidentalis and three to eight for R. vulgaris. Expected heterozygosity values within populations ranged from 0.00 to 0.85 for R. occidentalis and 0.00 to 0.75 for R. vulgaris. These are the first microsatellite loci isolated for R. occidentalis and R. vulgaris and will be useful in the examination of their population genetic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain polymorphic molecular markers for population genetics and conservation studies in Bonelli's eagle populations, we screened a partial genomic library enriched for microsatellites with di- and tri-nucleotide motifs [(GT) (CT) (AAC) and (GCC)]. A total of 15 polymorphic markers were obtained. The number of alleles ranged from two to eight. These markers will be very useful for paternity tests and population structure studies as well as for evaluating the outcome of conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) is a 'keystone' species that plays a vital role in regulating the dynamics of both plant and animal communities and yet it is endangered and its numbers have been reduced to approximately 500 000 across their entire continental range. Molecular genetic markers are important tools for providing genetic information useful in formulating effective management and conservation strategies for the surviving elephant populations. We describe the isolation and characterization of six new polymorphic microsatellite markers in the African savannah elephant and demonstrate that these loci can be PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-multiplexed, a desirable attribute that saves costs in large-scale microsatellite screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mountain birch, Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa is a tetraploid tree species which forms the tree limit in northern Fennoscandia. We identified nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in order to characterize the genetic structure of populations at different elevations close to the treeline. The microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic, with 14–42 alleles per locus and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.73 ± 0.25 under random chromosome segregation and 0.68 ± 0.23 under random chromatid segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe 10 primers for amplification of microsatellite loci for the mangrove, Avicennia germinans. Eight loci were isolated from a DNA sample from the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico and two loci were isolated from a DNA sample from the Atlantic coast of Bermuda. Polymorphism was investigated in a population from the Mexican Pacific coast ( n = 15) and in four samples scattered throughout the range of the species. Total number of alleles for the species ranged from two to 10. Observed heterozygosity in the Mexican Pacific coast population ranged from 0.27 to 0.60, with two loci having fixed alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five polymorphic microsatellite markers are described for coast redwood, a hexaploid conifer. Dinucleotide (three), trinucleotide (one) and tetranucleotide (one) repeat loci were isolated from a genomic plasmid library and amplified in a test population of 25 second-growth redwoods. There were three to 11 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.00 to 0.80. The nonheterozygous locus (a CTTA repeat) is probably of chloroplast origin and may have potential as a marker for paternal inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South American leaf blight caused by the ascomycete Microcyclus ulei is the most harmful disease of the rubber tree in Latin America and a potential threat to Asiatic and African natural rubber production. Until now, the variability of this fungus was assessed through observation of pathogenicity of isolates on a range of rubber tree clones with known resistance reactions. The present study describes the process used to design 11 microsatellite markers and evaluates their usefulness in detecting genetic polymorphism. Nine of these markers were polymorphic among six isolates from Brazil (with two to three alleles per locus) and five markers were polymorphic among four isolates from French Guiana (with two to four alleles per locus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the development of 11 microsatellite markers by an enrichment protocol in the ponerine ant Ectatomma tuberculatum. Polymorphism was explored in two colonies collected from Mexico and two colonies from Brazil. From the 11 loci which amplified, seven loci showed intracolonial polymorphism in Mexican colonies and only six loci were variable in populations from Brazil. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.18 to 0.84. The other five loci exhibited different alleles between Mexico and Brazil but geographical variability was not investigated further. Cross-amplification was tested in another species of the same Tribe ( Gnamptogenys striatula) and one locus was revealed to be polymorphic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arachis pintoi is an alternative to forage production in the tropics. Its germplasm comprises more than 150 accessions, that could be used to improve it. Our objective was the isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in A. pintoi to be used to molecular evaluation of this germplasm and of A. repens (section Caulorrhizae ). Seven loci were analyzed using five accessions of A. repens and 20 accessions of A. pintoi . The high variation found makes clear the high potential of this marker in genetic studies in these species. The developed markers showed total transferability to A. repens . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betula platyphylla var. japonica is a typical pioneer tree species in the secondary succession in northern Japan. We describe the cloning and characterization of 13 polymorphic, codominant microsatellite loci isolated from this species. These polymorphic loci had 2-8 alleles per locus and a range of expected heterozygosities from 0.050 to 0.808. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-species PCR amplification of Armillaria mellea group taxa with previously reported A. ostoyae microsatellite markers, indicative of flanking sequence conservation, was exploited for the species-specific isolation of simple sequence repeat (SSR) motifs from A. gallica. Six SSR motifs were sequence characterized from cloned PCR fragments generated with primers previously developed from A. ostoyae. Five novel primer pairs, designed from motif flanking regions, allowed for improved, efficient amplification in this species. One original A. ostoyae primer pair was used directly. Polymorphims were observed at wide geographical levels only. Relative cross-species amplification intensities generally supported the currently accepted molecular phylogeny of this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven dinucleotide and one tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized, using routine protocols, from the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus. These loci will be useful for investigating the population structure of this broadly distributed and economically important portunid. In particular, all eight loci were polymorphic in P. pelagicus collected from throughout Australia. In addition, the genotype frequencies at each locus in each population sample were usually not significantly different from those expected under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium conditions. Six of the eight loci also showed moderate to high levels of polymorphism in an undescribed species of Portunus from northern Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern brown bandicoot ( Isoodon obesulus) was once widely distributed throughout coastal regions of Australia, however, populations have now become fragmented and the number of individuals are declining rapidly. As a result, this species is now classified as endangered in New South Wales and requires management. We have developed eight microsatellite markers to investigate levels of genetic variation and subdivision among these isolated populations. These microsatellite markers show levels of variability ranging from four to eight alleles and observed heterozygosities of 0.353-0.938. These microsatellite markers are also suitable for similar population studies on other related marsupials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterized eight microsatellite loci of the invasive weed Rubus alceifolius, and represents the first microsatellite markers published for any Rubus species. They proved to be highly polymorphic in Asian natural populations, and could be used to compare the reproductive biology of this weed between its native range and its areas of introduction. A screening of a Vietnamese half-sib progeny showed that sexuality occurs in this geographical range of R. alceifolius. Moreover, four of them could be potentially transferable to 14 other tropical Rubus species from the subgenera Idaeobatus and Malachobatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern grey kangaroo ( Macropus giganteus) has increased in numbers leading to over-abundant populations in areas of eastern Australia. We have developed nine highly polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate their population structure and mating systems to manage this species more effectively. These loci show high levels of allelic diversity with the numbers of alleles ranging from 8 to 19 and with observed heterozygosities of 0.750-0.958. Null alleles or allelic dropouts were not detected when comparing animals of known pedigree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Alpine plant species Campanula thyrsoides (Campanulaceae). Number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 12 and the observed heterozygosity was between 0.529 and 0.900. Observed vs. expected heterozygote deficits were significantly different in one out of eight loci following Bonferroni's correction for multiple tests. We did not find evidence for linkage disequilibrium between locus pairs. The microsatellite markers are being used for the study of genetic variation and gene flow within and among populations of C. thyrsoides in the Swiss Alps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus merkusii is an important industrial species that is distributed only in Southeast Asia. We isolated 10 microsatellite markers from this species using a dual-suppression-polymerase chain reaction technique. Of these markers, five loci were codominant and polymorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to six and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.389 to 0.728. These microsatellite markers will be available for analysis on population genetics and mating patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus) are an endangered species. Their future survival depends on intensive conservation and management, based on in-depth knowledge of particular populations. Molecular genetic methods, especially microsatellite analysis through noninvasive sampling, provides an effective means of obtaining such information. The use of tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers is advantageous in noninvasive sampling through dung analysis. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of five tri- and tetranucleotide markers in the Asian elephant. All five loci were found to be polymorphic in a sample of 20 Asian elephants from Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six single-locus, polymorphic microsatellite markers in a perennial herbaceous plant, Polygonum cuspidatum, were developed. Tests to amplify these six loci in another Polygonum species failed, suggesting that the six markers are specific to P. cuspidatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their properties for resolving patterns of population genetic structure, microsatellites are increasingly used in studies of breeding systems. Here, eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi, in which populations show a mixture of cyclically and obligatory parthenogenetic lines. These loci were then applied to distinguish between 55 parthenogenetic lines of R. padi collected across France. Interestingly, they allowed to detect several copies of the same genotypes among the sample, confirming the great sensitivity of microsatellites and their usefulness in population genetic studies of parthenogenetic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]