Development of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the high alpine perennial Primula halleri (Primulaceae)1

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY Primula halleri is a high alpine endemic species with a patchy distribution in Central and Eastern European mountains. Little is known about the structure of genetic variation and mating system in populations of this species. • METHODS AND RESULTS We report on the development of 12 novel, polymorphic microsatellite loci for P. halleri. Tests for amplification and polymorphism were performed on 45 individuals sampled from three populations in the Swiss Alps. Interspecific amplification of the loci was evaluated using samples of the closely related species P. farinosa, P. frondosa, and P. scotica. • CONCLUSIONS The results show that the new microsatellite loci will be useful to study the structure of genetic diversity and mating system of P. halleri, and possibly its closely related species.