Characterization of microsatellite loci for an Australian epiphytic orchid, Dendrobium calamiforme, using Illumina sequencing1

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Microsatellite loci were developed for the epiphytic pencil orchid Dendrobium calamiforme for population genetic and phylogeographic investigation of this Australian taxon. METHODS AND RESULTS Nineteen microsatellite loci were identified from an Illumina paired-end shotgun library of D. calamiforme. Polymorphism and genetic diversity were assessed in 24 individuals from five populations separated by a maximum distance of ∼80 km. All loci were polymorphic with two to 14 alleles per locus, expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.486 to 0.902, and probability of identity values ranging from 0.018 to 0.380. CONCLUSIONS These novel markers will serve as valuable tools for investigation of levels of genetic diversity as well as patterns of gene flow, genetic structure, and phylogeographic history.