title: Isolation via next-generation sequencing of microsatellites from the Tasmanian macroalgae Lessonia corrugata (Lessoniaceae).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Microsatellite markers for the macroalgae Lessonia corrugata (Lessoniaceae) were developed, for the first time, to enable population genetic assessment of this important foundation species.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ion Torrent sequencing identified 16,622 loci, 29 of which were trialed in L. corrugata. Seven loci were found to be polymorphic and screened for variation in 76 individuals from two populations in Tasmania, Australia. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.086 to 0.686 (mean 0.386) and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to five (mean 2.57). Heterozygosity was not significantly different from expected values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These loci can be used to study the population genetics of L. corrugata, a key habitat-forming species in the Tasmanian marine ecosystem, and will help to assess gene flow among spatially discrete populations such as those in marine protected areas.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
authors.forename: Halley M S
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Durrant
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
authors.forename: Christopher P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Burridge
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia ; Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Gardner
keywords: Ion Torrent; Lessonia; Lessoniaceae; macroalgae; microsatellites; next-generation sequencing