Cross-Species Amplification of Microsatellite Loci for the Endangered Conifer, Taxus chinensis var. mairei (Taxaceae)

Being an economical and endangered species, microsatellite markers of Taxus chinensis var. mairei were very limited. We have developed a set of microsatellite markers, which was benefit for future genetic analysis of this rare species. Polymorphic loci were developed from congeneric species by cross-species amplification methods, and new primers were redesigned to test for potential null alleles. 15 loci showed polymorphism. The number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 23 tested in 48 individuals. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) values ranged form 0.000 to 0.854 and 0.082 to 0.827, respectively. Newly redesigned primer confirmed that no null allele existed in most suspected loci. These microsatellite markers will be useful for future genetic analysis and conservation of this endangered species.