Development of 18 microsatellite markers in Rhododendron ferrugineum (Ericaceae) for investigating genetic structure at margins

Eighteen novel microsatellite markers were developed in Rhododendron ferrugineum using pyrosequencing technology. They were tested on populations in the Alps, Jura and Pyrenees to study genetic diversity at the species range margins. Protection of populations at margins is important for conserving the genetic diversity of species. We found 2–7 alleles per locus. The expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.07 to 0.79 and from 0.05 to 0.85, respectively. These loci were successfully amplified in 22 other Rhododendron species and four Ericaceae species. These markers will be useful for investigating the genetic structure of R. ferrugineum and related species at their distribution margins.