Development of EST-SSR markers for Taxillus nigrans (Loranthaceae) in southwestern China using next-generation sequencing1

PREMISE OF THE STUDY We developed transcriptome microsatellite markers (simple sequence repeats) for Taxillus nigrans (Loranthaceae) to survey the genetic diversity and population structure of this species. METHODS AND RESULTS We used Illumina HiSeq data to reconstruct the transcriptome of T. nigrans by de novo assembly and used the transcriptome to develop a set of simple sequence repeat markers. Overall, 40 primer pairs were designed and tested; 19 of them amplified successfully and demonstrated polymorphisms. Two loci that detected null alleles were eliminated, and the remaining 17, which were subjected to further analyses, yielded two to 21 alleles per locus. CONCLUSIONS The markers will serve as a basis for studies to assess the extent and pattern of distribution of genetic variation in T. nigrans, and they may also be useful in conservation genetic, ecological, and evolutionary studies of the genus Taxillus, a group of plant species of importance in Chinese traditional medicine.