Characterization of microsatellite markers for pinedrops, Pterospora andromedea (Ericaceae), from Illumina MiSeq sequencing.
OBJECTIVE
Pterospora andromedea (Ericaceae) is a mycoheterotrophic plant endemic to North America with a disjunct distribution. Eastern populations are in decline compared to western populations. Microsatellite loci will allow comparison of genetic diversity in endangered to nonthreatened populations. •


RESULTS
Illumina MiSeq sequencing resulted in development of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci from 63 perfect microsatellite loci tested. One polymorphic locus was obtained from a traditional enrichment method. These 13 loci were screened across two western and two eastern populations. For western and eastern populations, respectively, number of alleles ranged from one to 10 and one to four, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.389 and 0.000 to 0.143. •


CONCLUSIONS
These are the first microsatellite loci developed for Pterospora. They will be useful in conservation efforts of the eastern populations and for examination of population genetic parameters at different geographic scales and comparison with mycorrhizal fungal hosts.
Centre College, 600 West Walnut Street, Danville, Kentucky 40422 USA.
Lisa C
LC
Grubisha
Centre College, 600 West Walnut Street, Danville, Kentucky 40422 USA.
Bailey A
BA
Nelson
Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, Wyoming 82071 USA.
Nicholas J
NJ
Dowie
Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, Wyoming 82071 USA.
Steven L
SL
Miller
Centre College, 600 West Walnut Street, Danville, Kentucky 40422 USA.
Matthew R
MR
Klooster
Illumina MiSeq; Monotropoideae; Pterospora andromedea; conservation genetics; endangered species; mycoheterotroph