Premise of the study: Eighteen microsatellite loci of distylous Palicourea padifolia were isolated and characterized for population genetics studies.
Methods and results: Following a microsatellite enrichment protocol, 18 primer pairs amplified successfully, and the polymorphism of the loci was initially evaluated in 15 individuals from three populations in Mexico. Seven loci were polymorphic, and their variability was further assessed in 60 individuals from three populations. The total number of alleles per locus, combining samples from all populations, ranged from 7 to 12. Nei's genetic diversity average across loci was 0.681, 0.714, and 0.703 for El Riscal, Montebello, and Ruiz Cortínez, respectively. Palicourea padifolia individuals had one to four alleles, confirming the polyploidy of this species.
Conclusions: These markers will facilitate genetic diversity studies of P. padifolia across its distribution range and facilitate investigations on the evolution of its breeding system.