Development of tools to rapidly identify cryptic species and characterize their genetic diversity in different European kelp species

Marine ecosystems formed by kelp forests are severely threatened global change and local coastline disturbances in many regions. In order to take appropriate conservation, mitigation, restoration actions, it is crucial identify the most diverse populations which could serve as a “reservoir” of genetic diversity. This requires development specific tools, such microsatellite markers investigate level spatial distribution Here, we tested new polymorphic loci from genome kelp, Laminaria digitata, them for cross-amplification polymorphism four closely related congeneric species (Laminaria hyperborea, ochroleuca, rodriguezii, pallida). Adding these 20 ten L. digitata previously developed Billot et al. (Mol Ecol 7:1778-1780, 1998) Brenan (J R Soc Interface 11:1-12, 2014) ochroleuca Coelho (Conserv Genet Resource 6:949-950, 2014), retained total 30 21 16 L 18 12 pallida. These have been first time last two species. As predicted, proportion that cross-amplified between decreased with increasing distance. addition, problems identification were reported this family, mainly Hedophyllum nigripes, but also areas where their range distributions overlap, report rapid PCR method based on species-specific COI mitochondrial primers allows be rapidly distinguished.