ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROSATELLITE LOCI IN SASSAFRAS RANDAIENSE (LAURACEAE)

Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed in Sassafras randaiense, an endemic tree species in Taiwan, to investigate the conservation genetics of this invaluable plant that is at risk for continuing population decline. Methods and Results: Using a magnetic bead enrichment method, 27 primer pairs amplifying di-, tri, and tetranucleotide repeats were developed. Across the populations tested, 16 primer sets showed polymorphism, with an average of 4.06 alleles per polymorphic locus. Twenty of the 27 developed primer sets were also successfully amplified in its congener S. tzumu from China. Conclusions: The new primer sets described here are a powerful tool for investigating the spatial patterns of genetic diversity and for designing effective management strategies for this invaluable plant.