title: Development and characterization of 47 novel microsatellite markers for Vellozia squamata (Velloziaceae).
abstract: •
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We developed and validated microsatellite primers for Vellozia squamata (Velloziaceae), an endemic species of the cerrado (Brazilian savannas), to investigate the influence of different fire regimes on its genetic diversity and population structure. •
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using a selective hybridization method, we tested 51 SSR loci using a natural population of V. squamata and obtained 47 amplifiable loci. Among these, 26 loci were polymorphic and the average values of genetic diversity were: average number of alleles per locus ([Formula: see text]) = 6.54, average number of alleles per polymorphic locus ([Formula: see text]) = 7.13, average observed heterozygosity [Formula: see text] = 0.22, average expected heterozygosity [Formula: see text] = 0.49, and average fixation index [Formula: see text] = 0.55. •
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These 26 loci allowed us to assess the effects of distinct fire regimes on the genetic structure of V. squamata populations with the aim of establishing strategies for the conservation of this endemic species. The markers can also be useful for future pharmaceutical studies, as the species has great potential for medicinal and cosmetic applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ecology, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Rua do Matão 321, Travessa 14, Cidade Universitária, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duarte-Barbosa
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), CP 83, Av. Pádua Dias 11, Vila Independência, 13400-970 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Miklos M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Bajay
authors.affiliation: Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios, Pólo Centro Sul, CP 28, Rodovia SP 127, Km 30, Vila Fátima, 13400-970 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Zucchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Ecology, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Rua do Matão 321, Travessa 14, Cidade Universitária, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Vânia R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Pivello
keywords: Vellozia squamata; Velloziaceae; canela-de-ema; cerrado; fire regime; genetic diversity