Transcriptome-derived microsatellite markers for Dioon (Zamiaceae) cycad species

Area of Science:

• Botany and Conservation Genetics

Background:

• Dioon (Zamiaceae) is an endangered North American cycad genus with significant evolutionary and ornamental value.
• Effective conservation strategies require robust population-level genetic data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a set of microsatellite markers from Dioon edule.
• To assess the utility of these markers for population genetics and conservation studies in related Dioon species.

Main Methods:

• Screened 80 microsatellite candidate loci from the D. edule transcriptome.
• Tested 50 primers, genotyping 21 loci in 20 D. edule individuals.
• Evaluated marker transferability and polymorphism in D. angustifolium, D. spinulosum, and D. holmgrenii.

Main Results:

• Identified polymorphic microsatellite loci in D. edule with high allele counts and heterozygosity.
• Successfully transferred seven polymorphic loci to three other Dioon species.
• Observed up to seven alleles and high heterozygosity in these related species.

Conclusions:

• Transcriptome-derived microsatellites provide valuable tools for Dioon population genetic studies.
• These markers will inform conservation strategies for endangered Dioon cycads.
• The markers can aid in identifying the origin of illegally traded cycad plants.