A set of variable plastid SSR markers for the genus Cryptanthus (Bromeliaceae)

The genus Cryptanthus (Bromeliaceae) is endemic to Brazil. Many of its currentlyrecognized 66 species are narrow endemics that are threatened by habitat destruction.Molecular markers are needed to evaluate the extent and distribution of genetic diversityin rare Cryptanthus species, which would be a prerequisite for taking appropriateconservation measures. Here we describe the development of plastid microsatellitemarkers (cpSSRs) for Cryptanthus. PCR primers specific for 34 cpSSR loci in Dyckiamarnier-lapostollei were initially tested for their functionality in Cryptanthus schwackeanus. PCR was successful for 29 loci, and 13 loci were shown to harbour extended stretches of mononucleotide repeats. Seven loci were further characterized bygenotyping Cryptanthus samples at the level of populations and species, and six lociproved to be polymorphic among 30 individuals of each of the two endangered species C. schwackeanus and C. warren-loosei, respectively. All primers cross-amplified in other genera from three subfamilies of Bromeliaceae

<i>Dichotomius</i> (<i>Luederwaldtinia</i>) <i>schiffleri</i> (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationships within the superfamily Scarabaeoidea

<p>The mitochondrial DNA of <i>Dichotomius</i> (<i>Luederwaldtinia</i>) <i>schiffleri</i> was characterized and its phylogenetic position was reconstructed in Scarabaeoidea. This mitogenome presented 14,802 bp-long, richness in AT of 77.4% and 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs. In addition, it was observed intergenic spacers and reading frame overlaps. The phylogenetic trees reconstructed from protein sequences provided best resolution, indicating Scarabaeinae and Aphodiinae as a sister groups, as previously reported in other molecular phylogenies.</p

Evidence of genetic differentiation and karyotype evolution of the sedges Cyperus ligularis L. and C. odoratus L. (Cyperaceae)

<div><p>ABSTRACT The taxonomy of Cyperaceae is complex, with genera like Cyperus harboring species complexes. We analyzed the genetic similarity between Cyperus ligularis L. and C. odoratus L. based on DNA fingerprinting and cytogenetics. Significative genetic differentiation (G ST = 0.363) and low gene flow (N m = 0.877) indicated a clear genetic distinction between the two species. Moreover, the clustering analysis showed two distinct genetic groups, suggesting a lack of evidence for hybridization. The phenogram revealed two different lineages, and although all individuals of C. odoratus were collected from plots close to each other, they possessed greater genetic diversity than that observed among individuals of C. ligularis, which were sampled over a wider geographic range. Variation in chromosome number within the two species exhibited the opposite pattern, indicating greater karyotype stability in C. odoratus with 2n = 72 and 2n = 76, while the diploid number for C. ligularis varied from 2n = 66 to 88. The lower genetic variation in C. ligularis may be a result of the founder effect associated with seed dispersion and clonal reproduction. Field observations and analysis of reproductive biology should enrich the understanding of the genetic structure of the investigated populations and their role in successional processes.</p></div