Microsatellite loci development in mycoheterotrophic Corallorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) with amplification in C. mertensiana.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed for the first time in the species Corallorhiza maculata, a nonphotosynthetic orchid that is becoming a model for studying mycorrhizal specificity. • METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed using an enrichment and cloning protocol. The number of alleles for each locus ranged from two to seven. The loci were tested in three populations, and the resulting high F(ST) values suggested that these loci have utility in illuminating population structure. Cross-amplification was also achieved in the sister species C. mertensiana. • CONCLUSIONS: These microsatellite markers will be useful in further study of the population genetics of this species, including that of previously described mycorrhizal races.