Identification and characterization of eight nuclear microsatellite loci in the glasswort Genus salicornia (Amaranthaceae)

Eight nuclear microsatellite loci were identifi ed using the method of microsatellite- enriched libraries in the glasswort genus Salicornia. These markers yield specifi c alleles for discriminating diploid and tetraploid lineages and thus provide a reliable and effi cient tool for routine determination of ploidy level in the genus. Within both the diploid and tetraploid lineages, the microsatellites further display a clear biogeographic signal. A signifi cant partitioning of genetic differentiation was found between the diploid populations (Fst = 0.31; p < 0.001). The new microsatellite markers described here thus offer the appropriate amount of variation to address issues of species delimitation and biogeographic history in the genus. (Résumé d'auteur