Microsatellite markers for Saussurea gnaphalodes (Asteraceae), a native Himalayan mountain species.

Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Saussurea gnaphalodes to investigate its genetic variation and population structure. Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture method, 46 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized across 48 S. gnaphalodes individuals from three Tibetan populations. Seventeen of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles ranged from two to 17. The observed and expected heterozygosities per population ranged from 0 to 0.938 and from 0 to 0.905, respectively. Conclusions: These markers provide a useful tool to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of S. gnaphalodes, and to facilitate further studies on conservation and utilization.