Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered Tricyrtis ishiiana (Convallariaceae), a local endemic plant in Japan.

Nine microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the endangered and tertiary relict perennial herb, Tricyrtis ishiiana. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 33. The expected (H_E) and observed (H_O) heterozygosities were 0.207-0.944 and 0.215-0.813, respectively, from 96 individuals on one population. Five loci exhibited significantly fewer heterozygotes than expected under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P<0.05). These primers amplifying microsatellites in this species may provide a useful tool for population genetics to establish conservation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]