Characterization and cross-amplification of novel microsatellite markers for two Australian sedges, Lepidosperma sp. Mt Caudan and L. sp. Parker Range (Cyperaceae)

Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed to examine genetic diversity and structure in Lepidosperma sp. Mt Caudan and L. sp. Parker Range, two rare sedges with highly restricted distributions in Western Australia. Fifteen markers were developed for each species using next generation sequencing and each set of markers was assessed using a sample of 24 individuals from a single population. For the L. sp. Mt Caudan-specific markers, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight (mean = 3.73 ± 0.5). Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.095 to 0.833 and 0.191–0.737, respectively. Out of 15 loci, 13 conformed to Hardy–Weinberg proportions and null alleles are suspected in one locus. For the L. sp. Parker Range-specific markers, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine (mean = 3.60 ± 0.5). Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.045 to 0.750 and 0.045–0.814, respectively. Nine of the 15 loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg proportions and null alleles are suspected in three loci. All 30 loci showed independent inheritance. Furthermore, both sets of markers successfully cross-amplified in the alternate species at six loci each, thus presenting 21 possible markers for each species. These markers may also be useful for studies on other Lepidosperma species.