Microsatellite enrichment in organisms with large genomes (Allium cepa L.)

Applying molecular and genetic methods to trees and their fungal communities

Forests provide invaluable economic, ecological, and social services. At the same time, they are exposed to several threats, such as fragmentation, changing climatic conditions, or increasingly destructive pests and pathogens. Trees, the inherent species of forests, cannot be viewed as isolated organisms. Manifold (micro)organisms are associated with trees playing a pivotal role in forest ecosystems. Of these organisms, fungi may have the greatest impact on the life of trees. A multitude of molecular and genetic methods are now available to investigate tree species and their associated organisms. Due to their smaller genome sizes compared to tree species, whole genomes of different fungi are routinely compared. Such studies have only recently started in forest tree species. Here, we summarize the application of molecular and genetic methods in forest conservation genetics, tree breeding, and association genetics as well as for the investigation of fungal communities and their interrelated ecological functions. These techniques provide valuable insights into the molecular basis of adaptive traits, the impacts of forest management, and changing environmental conditions on tree species and fungal communities and can enhance tree-breeding cycles due to reduced time for field testing. It becomes clear that there are multifaceted interactions among microbial species as well as between these organisms and trees. We demonstrate the versatility of the different approaches based on case studies on trees and fungi. KEY POINTS: • Current knowledge of genetic methods applied to forest trees and associated fungi. • Genomic methods are essential in conservation, breeding, management, and research. • Important role of phytobiomes for trees and their ecosystems.

Parthenogenesis without costs in a grasshopper with hybrid origins

The rarity of parthenogenetic species is typically attributed to the reduced genetic variability that accompanies the absence of sex, yet natural parthenogens can be surprisingly successful. Ecological success is often proposed to derive from hybridization through enhanced genetic diversity from repetitive origins or enhanced phenotypic breadth from heterosis. Here, we tested and rejected both hypotheses in a classic parthenogen, the diploid grasshopper Warramaba virgo. Genetic data revealed a single hybrid mating origin at least 0.25 million years ago, and comparative analyses of 14 physiological and life history traits showed no evidence for altered fitness relative to its sexual progenitors. Our findings imply that the rarity of parthenogenesis is due to constraints on origin rather than to rapid extinction.

Development of Novel Genomic Simple Sequence Repeat (g-SSR) Markers and Their Validation for Genetic Diversity Analyses in Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees]

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees) is one of the most important medicinal plants and has been widely explored as traditional medicine. To exploit its natural genetic diversity and initiations of molecular breeding to develop novel cultivars or varieties, developments of genomic resources are essential. Four microsatellite-enriched genomic libraries-(CT)14, (GT)12, (AG)15 and (AAC)8-were constructed using the genomic DNA of A. paniculata. Initially, 183 recombinant colonies were screened for the presence of CT, GT, AG, and AAC microsatellite repeats, out of which 47 clones found positive for the desired simple sequence repeats (SSRs). It was found that few colonies had more than one desirable SSR. Thus, a sum of 67 SSRs were designed and synthesized for their validation among 42 A. paniculata accessions. Out of the 67 SSRs used for genotyping, only 41 were found to be polymorphic. The developed set of g-SSR markers showed substantial genetic variability among the selected A. paniculata accessions, with an average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.32. Neighbor-joining tree analysis, population structure analysis, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) illustrated the considerable genetic diversity among them. The novel g-SSR markers developed in the present study could be important genomic resources for future applications in A. paniculata.

Development of novel g-SSR markers in guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda and their application in genetic diversity, population structure and cross species transferability studies

Dearth of genomic resources particularly, microsatellite markers in nutritionally and commercially important fruit crop, guava necessitate the development of the novel genomic SSR markers through the library enrichment techniques. Three types of 3' -biotinylated oligonucleotide probes [(CT)14, (GT)12, and (AAC)8] were used to develop microsatellite enriched libraries. A total of 153 transformed colonies were screened of which 111 positive colonies were subjected for Sanger sequencing. The clones having more than five motif repeats were selected for primer designing and a total of 38 novel genomic simple sequence repeats could be identified. The g-SSRs had the motif groups ranging from monomer to pentamer out of which dimer group occurred the most (89.47%). Out of 38 g-SSRs markers developed, 26 were found polymorphic, which showed substantial genetic diversity among the guava genotypes including wild species. The average number of alleles per locus, major allele frequency, gene diversity, expected heterozygosity and polymorphic information content of 26 SSRs were 3.46, 0.56, 0.53, 0.29 and 0.46, respectively. The rate of cross-species transferability of the developed g-SSR loci varied from 38.46 to 80.77% among the studied wild Psidium species. Generation of N-J tree based on 26 SSRs grouped the 40 guava genotypes into six clades with two out-groups, the wild guava species showed genetic distinctness from cultivated genotypes. Furthermore, population structure analysis grouped the guava genotypes into three genetic groups, which were partly supported by PCoA and N-J tree. Further, AMOVA and PCoA deciphered high genetic diversity among the present set of guava genotypes including wild species. Thus, the developed novel g-SSRs were found efficient and informative for diversity and population structure analyses of the guava genotypes. These developed novel g-SSR loci would add to the new genomic resource in guava, which may be utilized in genomic-assisted guava breeding.

Dispersal influences genetic and acoustic spatial structure for both males and females in a tropical songbird

Animals exhibit diverse dispersal strategies, including sex‐biased dispersal, a phenomenon common in vertebrates. Dispersal influences the genetic structure of populations as well as geographic variation in phenotypic traits. Patterns of spatial genetic structure and geographic variation may vary between the sexes whenever males and females exhibit different dispersal behaviors. Here, we examine dispersal, spatial genetic structure, and spatial acoustic structure in Rufous‐and‐white Wrens, a year‐round resident tropical bird. Both sexes sing in this species, allowing us to compare acoustic variation between males and females and examine the relationship between dispersal and song sharing for both sexes. Using a long‐term dataset collected over an 11‐year period, we used banding data and molecular genetic analyses to quantify natal and breeding dispersal distance in Rufous‐and‐white Wrens. We quantified song sharing and examined whether sharing varied with dispersal distance, for both males and females. Observational data and molecular genetic analyses indicate that dispersal is female‐biased. Females dispersed farther from natal territories than males, and more often between breeding territories than males. Furthermore, females showed no significant spatial genetic structure, consistent with expectations, whereas males showed significant spatial genetic structure. Overall, natal dispersal appears to have more influence than breeding dispersal on spatial genetic structure and spatial acoustic structure, given that the majority of breeding dispersal events resulted in individuals moving only short distances. Song sharing between pairs of same‐sex animals decreases with the distance between their territories for both males and females, although males exhibited significantly greater song sharing than females. Lastly, we measured the relationship between natal dispersal distance and song sharing. We found that sons shared fewer songs with their fathers the farther they dispersed from their natal territories, but that song sharing between daughters and mothers was not significantly correlated with natal dispersal distance. Our results reveal cultural differences between the sexes, suggesting a relationship between culture and sex‐biased dispersal.

Development of microsatellite markers and assembly of the plastid genome in Cistanthe longiscapa (Montiaceae) based on low-coverage whole genome sequencing

Cistanthe longiscapa is an endemic annual herb and characteristic element of the Chilean Atacama Desert. Principal threats are the destruction of its seed deposits by human activities and reduced germination rates due to the decreasing occurrence of precipitation events. To enable population genetic and phylogeographic analyses in this species we performed paired-end shotgun sequencing (2x100 bp) of genomic DNA on the Illumina HiSeq platform and identified microsatellite (SSR) loci in the resulting sequences. From 29 million quality-filtered read pairs we obtained 549,174 contigs (average length 614 bp; N50 = 904). Searching for SSRs revealed 10,336 loci with microsatellite motifs. Initially, we designed primers for 96 loci, which were tested for PCR amplification on three C. longiscapa individuals. Successfully amplifying loci were further tested on eight individuals to screen for length variation in the resulting amplicons, and the alleles were exemplarily sequenced to infer the basis for the observed length variation. Finally we arrived at 26 validated SSR loci for population studies in C. longiscapa, which resulted in 146 bi-allelic SSR markers in our test sample of eight individuals. The genomic sequences were also used to assemble the plastid genome of C. longiscapa, which provides an additional set of maternally inherited genetic markers.

Preponderance of clonality triggers loss of sex in Bulbophyllum bicolor, an obligately outcrossing epiphytic orchid

Vegetative propagation (clonal growth) conveys several evolutionary advantages that positively affect life history fitness and is a widespread phenomenon among angiosperms that also reproduce sexually. However, a bias towards clonality can interfere with sexual reproduction and lead to sexual extinction, although a dearth of effective genetic tools and mathematical models for clonal plants has hampered assessment of these impacts. Using the endangered tropical epiphytic or lithophytic orchid Bulbophyllum bicolor as a model, we integrated an examination of breeding system with 12 microsatellite loci and models valid for clonal species to test for the "loss of sex" and infer likely consequences for long-term reproductive dynamics. Bagging experiments and field observations revealed B. bicolor to be self-incompatible and pollinator-dependent, with an absence of fruit-set over 4 years. Challenging the assumptions that clonal populations can be as genotypically diverse as sexually reproducing ones and that clonality does not greatly influence genetic structure, just 22 multilocus genotypes were confirmed among all 15 extant natural populations, 12 of the populations were found to be monoclonal, and all three multiclonal ones exhibited a distinct phalanx clonal architecture. Our results suggest that all B. bicolor populations depend overwhelmingly on clonal growth for persistence, with a concomitant loss of sex due to an absence of pollinators and a lack of mating opportunities at virtually all sites, both of which are further entrenched by habitat fragmentation. Such cryptic life history impacts, potentially contributing to extinction debt, could be widespread among similarly fragmented, outcrossing tropical epiphytes, demanding urgent conservation attention.

Characterization and transferability of microsatellite markers developed for Carpinus betulus (Betulaceae)(1)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Carpinus betulus (Betulaceae) is an octoploid, ecologically important, common tree species in European woodlands. We established 11 nuclear microsatellite loci allowing for detailed analyses of genetic diversity and structure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A microsatellite-enriched library was used to develop primers for 11 microsatellite loci that revealed high allele numbers and genetic diversity in a preliminary study.

CONCLUSIONS

All of the loci developed here are informative for C. betulus. In addition, the loci are transferable to several species within the genus, and almost all loci cross-amplified in species of different genera of the Betulaceae.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Veratrum maackii (Melanthiaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Microsatellite markers were developed in Veratrum maackii (Melanthiaceae) to assess the pattern of population genetic structures across the species' distribution.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ten polymorphic loci were isolated from V. maackii using 454 shotgun pyrosequencing and the biotin capture method. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 19. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.143 to 0.929 and 0.269 to 0.904, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These newly developed microsatellite markers are useful for assessing the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history of V. maackii across its distribution range.

Hierarchical analysis of genetic structure in the habitat-specialist Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida)

Quantifying spatial genetic structure can reveal the relative influences of contemporary and historic factors underlying localized and regional patterns of genetic diversity and gene flow – important considerations for the development of effective conservation efforts. Using 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci, we characterize genetic variation among populations across the range of the Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida), a small riverine percid that is highly dependent on sandy substrate microhabitats. We tested for fine scale, regional, and historic patterns of genetic structure. As expected, significant differentiation was detected among rivers within drainages and among drainages. At finer scales, an unexpected lack of within-river genetic structure among fragmented sandy microhabitats suggests that stratified dispersal resulting from unstable sand bar habitat degradation (natural and anthropogenic) may preclude substantial genetic differentiation within rivers. Among-drainage genetic structure indicates that postglacial (14 kya) drainage connectivity continues to influence contemporary genetic structure among Eastern Sand Darter populations in southern Ontario. These results provide an unexpected contrast to other benthic riverine fish in the Great Lakes drainage and suggest that habitat-specific fishes, such as the Eastern Sand Darter, can evolve dispersal strategies that overcome fragmented and temporally unstable habitats.

Development and use of molecular markers: past and present

Molecular markers, due to their stability, cost-effectiveness and ease of use provide an immensely popular tool for a variety of applications including genome mapping, gene tagging, genetic diversity diversity, phylogenetic analysis and forensic investigations. In the last three decades, a number of molecular marker techniques have been developed and exploited worldwide in different systems. However, only a handful of these techniques, namely RFLPs, RAPDs, AFLPs, ISSRs, SSRs and SNPs have received global acceptance. A recent revolution in DNA sequencing techniques has taken the discovery and application of molecular markers to high-throughput and ultrahigh-throughput levels. Although, the choice of marker will obviously depend on the targeted use, microsatellites, SNPs and genotyping by sequencing (GBS) largely fulfill most of the user requirements. Further, modern transcriptomic and functional markers will lead the ventures onto high-density genetic map construction, identification of QTLs, breeding and conservation strategies in times to come in combination with other high throughput techniques. This review presents an overview of different marker technologies and their variants with a comparative account of their characteristic features and applications.

Development of microsatellite markers for Leucosceptrum japonicum and L. stellipilum (Lamiaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

We developed 10 new primers for amplifying microsatellite loci for both Leucosceptrum japonicum and L. stellipilum to study the genetic structure of hybrid zones between these two species. •

METHODS AND RESULTS

We isolated DNA fragments containing microsatellites from an enriched library and designed the 10 primer pairs amplifying the fragments. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 11 in both L. japonicum and L. stellipilum. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.84 and 0.00 to 1.00 in L. japonicum and L. stellipilum, respectively. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.84 and 0.00 to 0.89 in L. japonicum and L. stellipilum, respectively. •

CONCLUSIONS

These newly developed markers will be useful in investigating genetic structure and hybridization patterns in hybrid zones between L. japonicum and L. stellipilum.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite marker loci in the greylag goose (Anser anser)

Ten novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the greylag goose, Anser anser, a long-term monogamous and biparental bird. Additionally, five new primers pairs were designed based on previously published microsatellite locus sequences from closely related species. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions conditions were optimized for all 15 primer pairs. The number of alleles ranged from two to 12 per locus with an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.07 to 0.85. This marker set will be used to determine rates and origins of extra-pair and parasitic young in a population of individually banded greylag geese with known life histories.

Eleven polymorphic microsatellites isolated from red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

Eleven microsatellites were isolated from a genomic DNA library enriched for CA- and GA-repeats, and were characterized in 48 individuals of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. All 11 microsatellites were polymorphic with an average of allele number of 6.6 per locus. Genotypic distributions of these 11 markers were found to be in conformance with the expectations of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. All 11 markers were unlinked. These markers are being used to study the invasion routine, genetic diversity and population structure of the species P. clarkii.

Population structure of the blood clam (Tegillarca granosa) in China based on microsatellite markers

The blood clam, Tegillarca granosa, is widely cultivated in China. We isolated 6 microsatellite loci from T. granosa and used them to investigate genetic diversity and population structure of 5 widely distributed populations of blood clam collected from eastern and southeastern China. The allele number per locus varied from 4 to 9, and the polymorphism information content value was 0.301 to 0.830. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.304 to 0.460 and 0.556 to 0.621, respectively; the population from Yueqing had the smallest observed heterozygosity. In the neighbor-joining tree, Shandong, Fenghua and Yueqing populations clustered together, and there was geographic divergence between Shandong and Guangxi populations. Some microsatellite loci that were isolated from these mainland China samples were not found in blood clams collected from Malaysia.

SSR-patchwork: An optimized protocol to obtain a rapid and inexpensive SSR library using first-generation sequencing technology

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

We have optimized a version of a microsatellite loci isolation protocol for first-generation sequencing (FGS) technologies. The protocol is optimized to reduce the cost and number of steps, and it combines some procedures from previous simple sequence repeat (SSR) protocols with several key improvements that significantly affect the final yield of the SSR library. This protocol may be accessible for laboratories with a moderate budget or for which next-generation sequencing (NGS) is not readily available. •

METHODS AND RESULTS

We drew from classic protocols for library enrichment by digestion, ligation, amplification, hybridization, cloning, and sequencing. Three different systems were chosen: two with very different genome sizes (Galdieria sulphuraria, 10 Mbp; Pancratium maritimum, 30 000 Mbp), and a third with an undetermined genome size (Kochia saxicola). Moreover, we also report the optimization of the sequencing reagents. A good frequency of the obtained microsatellite loci was achieved. •

CONCLUSIONS

The method presented here is very detailed; comparative tests with other SSR protocols are also reported. This optimized protocol is a promising tool for low-cost genetic studies and the rapid, simple construction of homemade SSR libraries for small and large genomes.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in a medicinal plant, Phyllanthus emblica (Euphorbiaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in a medicinal plant, Phyllanthus emblica, to study population genetics for designing an effective in situ and ex situ conservation of genetic resources of the species. •

METHODS AND RESULTS

Six microsatellite markers were developed using an enrichment and magnetic separation protocol. They were characterized in two natural populations of P. emblica. Out of the six microsatellites, five showed polymorphism, with the number of alleles ranging from four to seven. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.360 to 0.760 and 0.499 to 0.806, respectively. •

CONCLUSIONS

The five polymorphic microsatellite markers will be useful for studying the genetic structure, reproductive biology, and for identification of clones and provenances of this important medicinal plant.

Development of microsatellite markers for Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Fabaceae), a native tree from South America

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Microsatellite primers were developed in the native legume tree Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil to study the genetic diversity and genetic structure in natural populations in Argentina.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nine microsatellite markers were identified using a genomic library enriched for tandemly repeated motifs, eight of which markers were polymorphic. The polymorphism of these markers was assessed by investigating 20 individuals for fragment polymorphism; three to 13 alleles were observed for each locus. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.300 to 1.000 and from 0.463 to 0.900, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that these primers will be useful for investigating the genetic diversity and genetic structure of natural populations of A. colubrina var. cebil in future studies.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai (Cupressaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Microsatellite markers were developed for the endemic Japanese species Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai for studies on forest ecology and tree breeding.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We characterized 10 dinucleotide microsatellite loci by screening primers developed using a simple sequence repeat-enriched library. The number of alleles per locus ranged from eight to 44 with an average of 20.3. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.326 to 0.854 and from 0.670 to 0.976, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of these markers can be used to assess useful genetic information for ecological studies and tree breeding in T. dolabrata var. hondai.

Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Cymbidium goeringii (Orchidaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Microsatellite markers were developed in Cymbidium goeringii to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From a microsatellite-enriched genomic library, 21 novel polymorphic microsatellites were isolated. The polymorphic patterns were verified in four populations (East Korea, West Korea, China, and Japan). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 11 to 29 with a mean of 20.29. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.272 to 0.799 and from 0.461 to 0.911, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These microsatellite markers will be useful tools for understanding genetic variation and population ecogenetic structure in C. goeringii.

Isolation and characterization of 21 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis

Twenty-one novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis (Trionychidae). This is a commonly consumed Asian species, especially in China, where it is reared in large numbers on farms. We screened 34 unrelated individuals from Wuhu of Anhui province in China and detected high levels of polymorphism for all 21 loci, with the number of alleles/locus ranging from 5 to 23 (mean 15.67). The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.421 to 0.946 and from 0.324 to 0.941, respectively. Hence, these microsatellites could facilitate studies on genetic diversity and population structure and marker-assisted breeding of this vulnerable species.

Molecular evidence for high frequency of multiple paternity in a freshwater shrimp species Caridina ensifera

BACKGROUND

Molecular genetic analyses of parentage provide insights into mating systems. Although there are 22,000 members in Malacostraca, not much has been known about mating systems in Malacostraca. The freshwater shrimp Caridina ensifera blue, is a new species belonging to Malacostraca which was discovered recently in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Due to its small body size and low fecundity, this species is an ideal species to study the occurrence and frequency of multiple paternity and to understand of how the low fecundity species persist and evolve.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

In this study, we developed four polymorphic microsatellites from C. ensifera and applied them to investigate the occurrence and frequency of multiple paternity in 20 C. ensifera broods caught from Lake Matano, Sulawesi. By genotyping the mother and all offspring from each brood we discovered multiple paternity in all 20 broods. In most of the 20 broods, fathers contributed skewed numbers of offspring and there was an apparent inverse correlation between reproductive success of sires and their relatedness to mothers.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our results in combination with recent reports on multiple paternity in crayfish, crab and lobster species suggests that multiple paternity is common in Malacostraca. Skewed contribution of fathers to the numbers of offspring and inverse correlation between reproductive success of sires and their relatedness to mothers suggest that sperm competition occurred and/or pre- and postcopulatory female choice happen, which may be important for avoiding the occurrence of inbreeding and optimize genetic variation in offspring and for persistence and evolution of low fecundity species.

A modified enrichment method to construct microsatellite library from plateau pika genome (Ochotona curzoniae)

A microsatellite-enriched library of plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) was constructed according to the strong affinity between biotin and streptavidin. Firstly, genomic DNA was fragmented by ultrasonication, which is a major improvement over traditional methods. Linker-ligated DNA fragments were hybridized with biotinylated microsatellite probes, and then were subjected to streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. PCR amplification was performed to obtain double-stranded DNA fragments containing microsatellites. Ligation and transformation were carried out by using the pGEM-T Vector System I and Escherichia coli DH10B competent cells. Sequencing results showed that 80.2% of clones contained microsatellite repeat motif. Several modifications make this protocol time-efficient and technically easier than the traditional ones; particularly, composition and relative abundance of microsatellite repeats in plateau pika genome were truly represented through the optimized PCR conditions. This method has also been successfully applied to construct microsatellite-enriched genomic libraries of Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) and small abalone [Haliotis diversicolor (Reeve)] with high rates of positive clones, demonstrating its feasibility and stability.

Microsatellite markers for the praying mantid Ciulfina rentzi (Liturgusidae)

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized from an enrichment library of the Australian praying mantid Ciulfina rentzi, a group with a unique reproductive morphology and behaviour. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 16 and heterozygosity from 0.24 to 0.94. These markers are the first microsatellites developed for any praying mantid. They will be useful for paternity analysis and for population genetic studies in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Region of Australia.

Development of 10 microsatellite loci in the ling (Molva molva)

We developed primers for two dinucleotide and eight tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in a marine fish, the ling (Molva molva). All markers were obtained from partial genomic DNA libraries and characterized in 55 unrelated individuals from one putative population. The number of alleles ranged from five to 24 (average 10.5) per locus, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.218 to 0.981 (average 0.643). No loci amplified in two other gadoid species tested, the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and the tusk (Brosme brosme).

Polymorphic microsatellite markers in the Melon Fruit Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) is an important insect pest of melon fruit causing extensive losses of production in Asia and Pacific areas. Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched DNA library of this species and their amplification characteristics are described. Genetic parameters were estimated on 80 individual flies from four natural populations. Allele numbers per locus ranged from three to 20. These microsatellite markers have potential utility in population structure and gene flow studies of B. cucurbitae.

Characterization of nine novel microsatellite markers from Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii)

Highly polymorphic microsatellite markers are the most powerful tools to infer kinship relations. In this study, a library enriched for (AC)(n) (AG)(n) and (AGAT)(n) was constructed for screening microsatellite markers in Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii), and nine novel polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed and characterized. The number of alleles ranged from 4 to 11 per locus and the mean polymorphism information content was 0.7535. The observed and the expected heterozygosity values averaged 0.760 (0.554-0.908) and 0.7914 (0.718-0.845), respectively. Average nonexclusion probability for one candidate parent varied from 0.485 to 0.716. These nine novel markers are highly polymorphic and powerful enough for our future kinship analysis.