Krapp et al. 2013 (Article) Cryptanthus

A set of variable plastid SSR loci for the genus Cryptanthus (Bromeliaceae)

Author(s):—F. Krapp, G.A. dos Santos C., T. Wöhrmann, A.M. Benko-Iseppon & K. Weising

Publication:—Rearch in Plant Biology 3(2): 18-21. (2013)

Abstract:—The genus Cryptanthus (Bromeliaceae) is endemic to Brazil. Many of its currently recognized 66 species are narrow endemics that are threatened by habitat destruction. Molecular markers are needed to evaluate the extent and distribution of genetic diversity in rare Cryptanthus species, which would be a prerequisite for taking appropriate conservation measures. Here we describe the development of plastid microsatellite markers (cpSSRs) for Cryptanthus. PCR primers specific for 34 cpSSR loci in Dyckia marnier-lapostollei were initially tested for their functionality in Cryptanthus schwackeanus. PCR was successful for 29 loci, and 13 loci were shown to harbour extended stretches of mononucleotide repeats. Seven loci were further characterized by genotyping Cryptanthus samples at the level of populations and species, and six loci proved to be polymorphic among 30 individuals of each of the two endangered species C. schwackeanus and C. warren-loosei, respectively. All primers cross-amplified in other genera from three subfamilies of Bromeliaceae.

Keywords:—Bromeliaceae; Bromelioideae; Cryptanthus; cpSSR; microsatellites; population genetics