Development and Characterization of EST-SSR Markers for Juniperus squamata (Cupressaceae), an ecologically important conifer in Asian mountains

Abstract Juniperus squamata, an endemic conifer of Asia, is an important shrub ecologically and economically. Yet little is known about its genetic diversity and population structure due to lacking of highly polymorphic molecular markers. In this study, expressed sequence tag microsatellite markers (EST-SSR) were developed for Juniperus squamata. Illumina HiSeq data were used to reconstruct the transcriptome of this species by de novo assembly. Based on this transcriptome, 18 SSR markers were designed and successfully amplified. Just one locus was eliminated due to its detection of null alleles and the remaining 17 loci were polymorphic, generating five to 14 alleles per locus in J. squamata. Markers cross-amplification tests were successful in two closely related species of J. squamata. These markers will serve as a basis for further studies to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of J. squamata. As well, they could be useful in promoting sustainable forest management strategies for this species in the face of global climate change.