Chloroplast simple sequence repeat markers for evolutionary studies in the sexually deceptive orchid genus Chiloglottis

Abstract

The orchids in the genus Chiloglottis are pollinated exclusively by sexual deception. Extensive sequencing (> 19.5 kb) of noncoding chloroplast DNA revealed that simple sequence repeats (cpSSRs) were abundant, enabling a set of 41 cpSSR markers to be developed. All markers were polymorphic across the genus. Polymorphism reflected variation at both mononucleotide repeats and indels. For a subset of four taxa with 40 samples each, locus polymorphism varied from 46 to 81%, while the number of haplotypes ranged from seven to 21 per taxon. Extensive differentiation among the taxa was detected. These cpSSRs markers will enable novel insights into the evolution of this unique genus.