SSR markers for Filago subg. Filago (Gnaphalieae: Asteraceae) and cross-amplification in three other subgenera.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed for the first time in the genus Filago (Gnaphalieae: Asteraceae). These markers will facilitate low-scale phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and population genetic studies within the genus Filago. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten pairs of polymorphic microsatellite primers (as well as five pairs of monomorphic primers) were identified and optimized on two species of Filago (F. gaditana and F. carpetana) using a microsatellite-enrichment library method and 454 GS-FLX technique. The polymorphic primers amplified tri- to hexanucleotide repeats and showed one to six alleles per locus for both species. Transferability was performed in 29 samples corresponding to nine representative species of Filago. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the utility of the newly developed markers, which will be useful to delve into the phylogenetic relationships among the taxa within Filago. These microsatellites will enable studies of phylogeographic, reproductive, and genetic variation.