New diagnostic SNP molecular markers for the <i>Mytilus</i> species complex

<div><p>The development of diagnostic markers has been a long-standing interest of population geneticists as it allows clarification of taxonomic uncertainties. Historically, there has been much debate on the taxonomic status of species belonging to the <i>Mytilus</i> species complex (<i>M</i>. <i>edulis</i>, <i>M</i>. <i>galloprovincialis</i> and <i>M</i>. <i>trossulus</i>), and whether they are discrete species. We analysed reference pure specimens of <i>M</i>. <i>edulis</i>, <i>M</i>. <i>galloprovincialis</i> and <i>M</i>. <i>trossulus</i>, using Restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing and identified over 6,000 SNP markers separating the three species unambiguously. We developed a panel of diagnostic SNP markers for the genotyping of <i>Mytilus</i> species complex as well as the identification of hybrids and interspecies introgression events in <i>Mytilus</i> species. We validated a panel of twelve diagnostic SNP markers which can be used for species genotyping. Being able to accurately identify species and hybrids within the <i>Mytilus</i> species complex is important for the selective mussel stock management, the exclusion of invasive species, basic physiology and bio-diversity studies.</p>