Jose M Corral1, Marta Puente Molins, Olawale M Aliyu, Timothy F Sharbel. 1. Apomixis Research Group, Department of Cytogenetics and Genome Analysis, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, Gatersleben, Germany 06466. corral@ipk-gatersleben.de
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed to study the origins and evolution of apomictic Hypericum perforatum, a polyploid invasive perennial herb indigenous to Europe that produces compounds of medicinal/pharmaceutical importance. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven primer sets were developed using a non-radioactive protocol. All loci were polymorphic, showing from 2 to 9 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosity averaged 0.861 and 0.772, respectively, across four studied populations. Most primers also amplified successfully in eight other Hypericum species. CONCLUSIONS: Markers developed in this study provide genetic tools for studies of apomixis and invasiveness, both on the intra- and interspecific levels.
PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed to study the origins and evolution of apomictic Hypericum perforatum, a polyploid invasive perennial herb indigenous to Europe that produces compounds of medicinal/pharmaceutical importance. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven primer sets were developed using a non-radioactive protocol. All loci were polymorphic, showing from 2 to 9 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosity averaged 0.861 and 0.772, respectively, across four studied populations. Most primers also amplified successfully in eight other Hypericum species. CONCLUSIONS: Markers developed in this study provide genetic tools for studies of apomixis and invasiveness, both on the intra- and interspecific levels.