Novel microsatellite markers for Distylium lepidotum (Hamamelidaceae) endemic to the Ogasawara Islands

Researchers have developed novel microsatellite markers for Distylium lepidotum, a small tree endemic to the Ogasawara Islands and the sole food source for an endemic locust. These markers enable detailed investigation of genetic diversity and structure in two populations on Chichijima and Hahajima Islands, with allele counts ranging from three to 23 per locus and expected heterozygosity values between 0.156–0.940 and 0.368–0.845 for the respective populations. The markers were generated using next-generation sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform, providing a robust tool for future population genetics studies and conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sugai, K., & Setsuko, S. (2016). Novel microsatellite markers for Distylium lepidotum (Hamamelidaceae) endemic to the Ogasawara Islands. BMC Research Notes, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-016-2137-9