Microsatellite markers for Vellozia gigantea (Velloziaceae), a narrowly endemic species to the Brazilian campos rupestres.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Microsatellite primers were developed for the first time in Velloziaceae, in the endangered species Vellozia gigantea.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using two different protocols, seven primer sets were characterized in three populations of V. gigantea. The primers amplified di- and trinucleotide repeats with six to 12 alleles per locus. These revealed high levels of genetic variation, presenting an average observed heterozygosity of 0.508 in V. gigantea. The seven primers were tested for cross-amplification in three Vellozia species. All primers successfully amplified in V. auriculata. Six primers amplified in V. compacta and three in V. hirsuta.

CONCLUSIONS

The new marker set described here will be useful for studies of population genetics of V. gigantea. The cross-amplification results indicate the utility of primers for studies in other Vellozia species.