Development of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers for Ficus virens (Moraceae)

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Genetics
• Ecology

Background:

• Ficus virens has a wide distribution across Asia, Oceania, and Australia, and is cultivated in China.
• Understanding the genetic background of Ficus virens is crucial for exploring the mechanisms of range limits in Ficus species.
• Limited genetic information is currently available for Ficus virens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel microsatellite markers for Ficus virens.
• To assess the genetic variation within Ficus virens populations.
• To evaluate the utility of these markers for related Ficus species.

Main Methods:

• Development of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers using biotin-streptavidin capture.
• Testing marker polymorphism in 85 Ficus virens individuals from three populations.
• Assessing cross-species amplification in eight additional Ficus species.

Main Results:

• Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were successfully developed.
• Allelic richness ranged from 3 to 17 across populations.
• Observed and expected heterozygosity varied significantly among populations (0.0667–0.9286 and 0.0650–0.8890, respectively).

Conclusions:

• The 15 developed microsatellite markers are effective for Ficus virens.
• These markers will be instrumental in future studies of genetic variation and population structure in Ficus species.
• The markers show potential for application in related Ficus species, aiding broader research.