Identification and characterization of microsatellites in Aconitum reclinatum (Ranunculaceae), a rare species endemic to North America

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Aconitum reclinatum is the only representative species of Aconitum subg. Lycoctonum in North America, with restricted ranges and endangered populations. Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for A. reclinatum for further investigation of genetic diversity and population structure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using Illumina HiSeq technology, we sequenced a genomic library for identification of simple sequence repeat markers. A total of 12 polymorphic primer pairs were developed and tested on 66 individuals from four populations in North America. The number of alleles ranged from one to seven per locus with an average of 3.48. Levels of observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0 to 1.000 and 0 to 0.736, respectively, at population level. Three primer pairs were successfully amplified in three of four closely related species. CONCLUSIONS: The microsatellites isolated in this study will be useful in further research on the genetic diversity and conservation genetics of A. reclinatum populations in North America.