Development of Microsatellite Markers for Vitex rotundifolia (Verbenaceae), an Endangered Coastal Plant in Lake Biwa, Japan

Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for Vitex rotundifolia, an endangered species isolated to Lake Biwa, to investigate its genetic diversity and population structure. Methods and Results: Ten primer sets were identified in Japanese populations of V. rotundifolia. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to six and gene diversity per locus ranged from 0.040 to 0.697 between two populations. In addition, all loci could be successfully amplified in V. trifolia. Conclusions: These markers will be useful for studies of genetic diversity and population structure of endangered species isolated to Lake Biwa of V. rotundifolia, to aid in the development of conservation strategies.