Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Hebanthe eriantha (Amaranthaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Hebanthe eriantha (Amaranthaceae) is extensively collected and used in folk medicine. Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of germplasm collections of this species. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from two to eight. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.808 and 0.455 to 0.851, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the utility of microsatellite loci for studies of population genetics in H. eriantha, which are important for the future conservation and cultivation of this medicinal species.