Isolation of 16 polymorphic microsatellite markers from an endangered and endemic species, Podocarpus nakaii (Podocarpaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Sixteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from the endangered evergreen tree Podocarpus nakaii to evaluate the population structure for conservation efforts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on a modified amplified fragment length polymorphism and magnetic bead enrichment method, 16 polymorphic primer sets were developed for this endangered insular species. Allele numbers ranged from five to seven, with an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.29 to 0.88. Most primers were able to amplify DNA from the endemic P. fasciculus and the widely distributed P. macrophyllus var. macrophyllus, P. macrophyllus var. maki, and P. costalis. CONCLUSIONS: The results reported here indicate the usefulness of codominant markers for future studies of the population genetics of P. nakaii. In addition, the markers are useful for further phytogeographic and speciation studies in P. fasciculus, P. macrophyllus var. macrophyllus, and P. macrophyllus var. maki, which are closely related species.