Mariza Monteiro

New microsatellite markers for garlic, Allium sativum (Alliaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY A new set of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for garlic, an important medicinal spice, was developed to aid studies of genetic diversity and to define efficient strategies for germplasm conservation. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a (CT)(8)- and (GT)(8)-enriched library, a total of 16 SSR loci were developed and optimized in garlic. Ten loci were found to be polymorphic after screening 75 accessions. The parameters used to characterize the loci were observed and expected heterozygosity, number of alleles, Shannon Index, and polymorphism information content (PIC). A total of 44 alleles were identified, with an average of 4.4 alleles per loci. The vast majority of loci were moderate to highly informative according to PIC and the Shannon Index. CONCLUSION The new SSR markers have the potential to be informative tools for genetic diversity, allele mining, mapping and associative studies, and in the management and conservation of garlic collections.

Plant regeneration from proroplasts of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) via somatic embryogenesis

A alfafa e uma das especies mais frequentemente estudadas do ponto de vista da producao de embrioes somaticos derivados da cultura de tecidos. Neste trabalho, cinco cultivares de alfafa foram analisados com referencia a capacidade de regenerar plantas a partir de culturas de protoplastos via embriogenese somatica. Regeneracao de plantas a partir de protoplastos isolados de folhas da cultivar Rangelander foi obtida usando-se um protocolo definido para embriogenese somatica derivada de suspensoes celulares de alfafa. Em funcao da sua alta eficiencia, recomenda-se o uso deste procedimento para transformacao genetica de alfafa mediada por eletroporacao de protoplastos.

Development of a novel set of microsatellite markers for Castor bean, Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae)1

PREMISE OF STUDY Microsatellite primers were developed for castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) to investigate genetic diversity and population structure, and to provide support to germplasm management. METHODS AND RESULTS Eleven microsatellite loci were isolated using an enrichment cloning protocol and used to characterize castor bean germplasm from the collection at the Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC). In a survey of 76 castor bean accessions, the investigated loci displayed polymorphism ranging from two to five alleles. CONCLUSIONS The information derived from microsatellite markers led to significant gains in conserved allelic richness and provides support to the implementation of several molecular breeding strategies for castor bean.

Development and Characterization of Microsatellite Markers for the Medicinal Plant Smilax brasiliensis (Smilacaceae) and Related Species

Premise of the study: A new set of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed for Smilax brasiliensis, which is popularly known as sarsaparilla and used in folk medicine as a tonic, antirheumatic, and antisyphilitic. Smilax brasiliensis is sold in Brazilian pharmacies, and its origin and effectiveness are not subject to quality control. Methods and Results: Using a protocol for genomic library enrichment, primer pairs were developed for 26 microsatellite loci and validated in 17 accessions of S. brasiliensis. Thirteen loci were polymorphic and four were monomorphic. The primers successfully amplified alleles in the congeners S. campestris, S. cissoides, S. fluminensis, S. goyazana, S. polyantha, S. quinquenervia, S. rufescens, S. subsessiliflora, and S. syphilitica. Conclusions: The new SSR markers described herein are informative tools for genetic diversity and gene flow studies in S. brasiliensis and several congeners.

Microsatellite markers for Aspidosperma polyneuron (Apocynaceae), an endangered tropical tree species

PREMISE OF THE STUDY This study was designed to develop and characterize a preliminary set of nuclear microsatellite markers for Aspidosperma polyneuron, an endangered tropical tree species. METHODS AND RESULTS Leaf samples were collected from a group of mature A. polyneuron trees in a large area along the Pardo and Mogi-Guaçu river basins in São Paulo State in the southeastern region of Brazil. Twenty-five simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed and 16 of 30 samples had polymorphic loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 17 (average = 7.06). A high diversity (H(e) = 0.65) and parentage exclusion probability for the first (0.9995) and second (0.9999) parents were measured. CONCLUSIONS These 16 polymorphic markers suggest a high potential for genetic diversity, gene flow, and mating system analyses in A. polyneuron.

Development of microsatellite markers for Aulonemia aristulata (Poaceae) and cross-amplification in other bamboo species

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Microsatellite primers were developed for Aulonemia aristulata, an endangered species of economic interest, to further describe its genetic variability and population structure. We also tested cross-amplification in 18 other bamboo species. METHODS AND RESULTS Using an enrichment genomic library, 13 microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in A. aristulata. Seven of these loci were polymorphic. Twelve markers were cross-amplified in at least ten of the tested bamboo species. CONCLUSIONS These markers will be useful for studies on the genetic diversity and structure of A. aristulata, which are important for future conservation, management and breeding programs of this species.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Hebanthe eriantha (Amaranthaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Hebanthe eriantha (Amaranthaceae) is extensively collected and used in folk medicine. Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of germplasm collections of this species. METHODS AND RESULTS Eleven highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from two to eight. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.808 and 0.455 to 0.851, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These results show the utility of microsatellite loci for studies of population genetics in H. eriantha, which are important for the future conservation and cultivation of this medicinal species.

Twenty four microsatellite markers for Aspidosperma polyneuron (Apocynaceae) , an endangered tree species

Background Aspidosperma polyneuron (Apocynaceae), commonly known as peroba-rosa, is a native and perennial species characteristic of semideciduous forest in submontane formation of Atlantic rain forest [1]. This species is recommended for ecosystems recovery and restoration of riparian forests in areas without flooding. But, the crescent logging, agriculture and urban expansion caused the reduction of native population of A. polyneuron. It is now included in the Red List of Threatened Species [http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/ 32023/0]. Little is known about the population structure of A. polyneuron and the effects of the spatial isolation on the levels of genetic diversity and gene flow. In this study, we developed microsatellite loci for A. polyneuron aiming future studies of genetic structure, gene flow and mating system.