Isolation via next generation sequencing of microsatellites from the Tasmanian macroalgae Lessonia corrugata (Lessoniaceae)

Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers for the macroalgae Lessonia corrugata (Lessoniaceae) were developed, for the first time, to enable population genetic assessment of this important foundation species. Methods and Results: Ion Torrent sequencing identified 16,622 loci, 29 of which were trialed in L. corrugata. Seven loci were found to be polymorphic and screened for variation in 76 individuals from two populations in Tasmania, Australia. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.086 to 0.686 (mean 0.386) and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to five (mean 2.57). Heterozygosity was not significantly different from expected values. Conclusions: These loci can be used to study the population genetics of L. corrugata, a key habitat-forming species in the Tasmanian marine ecosystem, and will help to assess gene flow among spatially discrete populations such as those in marine protected areas.