Genomic and EST-derived microsatellite markers for Iris laevigata (Iridaceae) and other congeneric species

 Premise of the study: The aims of this study are to develop and characterize genomic and expressed sequence tag (EST)–derived microsatellites from Iris laevigata and test their transferability in I. ensata , I. setosa , I. halophila , I. scariosa , I. potaninii , I. tenuifolia , I. bloudowii , and I. sanguinea .  Methods and Results: Ten genomic and six EST-derived microsatellites were characterized in I. laevigata . These microsatellite primers amplifi ed one to fialleles in I. laevigata and some of these primers were also successfully amplifi ed in congeneric species.  Conclusions: These microsatellite primers provide us an initial set of molecular markers to explore the spatial population genetic structure of I. laevigata . In addition, these markers may also be useful in population and conservation genetic studies of closely related species.