Simple-sequence repeat markers of Cattleya coccinea (Orchidaceae), an endangered species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Microsatellite markers were developed for the endangered Brazilian orchid species Cattleya coccinea to describe its genetic diversity and structure and to support conservation studies. Nine microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized using an enriched genomic library. All loci are polymorphic at least in the 2 populations sampled, except for loci Cac05 and Cac09 for the Petrópolis population. The mean number of alleles per locus was 8.8 between populations. The mean values of the observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.541 (ranging from 0 to 1) and 0.639 (ranging from 0 to 0.9), respectively. Cross-amplifications were performed in 7 additional Epidendroideae species, and at least 2 loci were successful in 3 additional Cattleya species, Epidendrum secundum, and Brasiliorchis gracilis. All markers described herein will be useful in further studies evaluating the genetic diversity, population dynamics, and conservation genetics of C. coccinea and related species.