Characterization and cross application of novel microsatellite markers for a rare sedge, Lepidosperma gibsonii (Cyperaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci for the rare sword sedge Lepidosperma gibsonii (Cyperaceae) were characterized for the future study of population structure, hybridization, and clonality. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty samples from each of three populations were screened with the markers to assess genetic variation. Observed population heterozygosities ranged from 0.35 to 1.00, and number of alleles observed per locus ranged from eight to 23. No departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected for any locus in any population. Single samples from 14 species were screened to examine the transferability of the microsatellites to other species of Lepidosperma. At least eight out of 10 loci amplified in all species tested. CONCLUSIONS These loci will be useful for studying genetic variation, hybridization, dispersal, and breeding systems in Lepidosperma, a ubiquitous element of the flora of southern Australia.