Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for Nuphar shimadai (Nymphaeaceae) to evaluate the population genetic dynamics for conservation purposes. The species is an endemic aquatic species in Taiwan that is endangered by anthropogenic activities.
Methods and results: A magnetic bead enrichment protocol was used to identify 72 potential microsatellite loci and develop 39 microsatellite markers from N. shimadai. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to 10 per locus, with levels of observed heterozygosity ranging from 0 to 1.0 within populations. As a result of inbreeding within isolated populations, 65% of loci significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium within populations.
Conclusions: These novel markers should be valuable tools to evaluate the genetic diversity within the endangered aquatic taxon N. shimadai for conservation and reintroduction purposes in Taiwan.
Keywords: Nuphar shimadai; Nymphaeaceae; conservation; microsatellites; reintroduction; yellow water lily.