Microsatellite primers for the North American bluets (Houstonia section Amphiotis, Rubiaceae).

ABSTRACT

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Microsatellites were developed for the native, perennial herbs Houstonia longifolia and H. purpurea to establish rates and patterns of hybridization among these and other closely related lineages within the genus. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven primer sets were developed and tested using populations across eastern North America and into parts of the Midwest. Primers amplified di- and tri-nucleotide repeats with 1-16 alleles per locus among diploids. These primers also amplified microsatellites for H. purpurea var. montana, H. purpurea var. calycosa, H. ouachitana, and H. canadensis, and for other Houstonia species outside section Amphiotis. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the value of microsatellite loci in studies focusing on hybridization and population genetics across Houstonia section Amphiotis and could be useful in studies within other sections of Houstonia as well as in studies of related genera, such as Hedyotis.