Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Coccoloba cereifera (Polygonaceae), an endangered species endemic to the Serra do Cipó, Brazil.

ABSTRACT

Microsatellite primers were isolated from the microendemic and threatened species Coccoloba cereifera, a shrub known only from a small region in the Serra do Cipó, Brazil. Thirteen primer pairs amplifying perfect and imperfect microsatellite regions were tested in 40 individuals from the one known occurrence of the species. Number of alleles ranged from two to six and levels of observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.21 to 0.95. These markers will be useful for the analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and will assist in providing information for future conservation management programmes.