Using genomic data to develop SSR markers for species of Chresta (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) from the Caatinga

Abstract

Chresta is a genus mostly endemic to Brazil that presents several rupicolous species with naturally fragmented distributions. Aiming to facilitate studies about genetic diversity and structure in these species, we developed a set of 22 nuclear and 6 plastid microsatellite markers that are transferable among different species of the genus. We used previously obtained genomic data from target capture and Illumina sequencing to identify putative repeat regions, designed and synthesized primers, and genotyped individuals from different populations of three species. All loci were successfully amplified in all three species and were overall variable, except for the plastid markers, which were monomorphic in two species. These newly developed microsatellites will be useful in studies focusing on the population genetics of Chresta.

Publication
Rev. Bras. Bot.