Transferability of microsatellite markers in four species of Masdevallia (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) endemic to mountain cloud forests of the Bolivian Andes: a phylogenetic approach

Cross-amplification and transferability of ten microsatellite loci previously developed for Masdevallia solomonii Luer & R.Vasquez were assessed in M. chaparensis T. Hashim, M. exquisita Luer & Hirtz, M. scandens Rolfe and M. yungasensis Hashimoto. The transferability rates and a phylogenetic analysis are presented here to show potential application for these markers. Cross-amplification was fully successful (100 %) in closely related species (M. yungasensis and M. chaparensis) and highly successful in M. exquisita and M. scandens (90 %). Average allele number/effective allele was 9.3/6.0 in M. chaparensis, 9.4/5.7 in M. exquisita, 5.8/3.2 in M. scandens and 6.2/3.9 in M. yungasensis. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed in seven loci in M. chaparensis, five loci in M. exquisita, one locus in M. scandens, and two loci in M. yungasensis. The high transferability rates obtained indicate high potential for comparative population genetic studies in these species of great interest for conservation.