Development of microsatellite markers for Trema micrantha, species of tropical America

The reduction of forest areas poses a risk of biodiversity loss for the planet, affecting the genetic diversity for tree species. Microsatellite markers have proved to be excellent tools to investigate genetic diversity and population structure, and to provide support for natural population management and conservation genetics. The purpose of this study was to develop the first set of microsatellite markers for Trema micranta (L.) Blume, a species of tropical America. Sixteen microsatellite loci were isolated from a microsatellite-enriched genomic library and used to characterize 30 individuals of T. micrantha collected in a natural population in the state of Amazonas. Genetic diversity was determined by the number of alleles per locus, observed and expected heterozygosity and the test for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. The allele number of the polymorphic loci ranges from 2 to 6 with an average of 3.125 per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.11 to 1.000 (mean 0.31) and 0.10 to 0.71 (mean 0.33), respectively. The investigated loci displayed high polymorphism for the T. micranta population. The information derived from the microsatellite markers provides support the implementation of several conservation strategies for this species with the goal of preserving their genetic diversity and evolutionary process for the future.