Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana)
Abstract
We describe the isolation and characterization of 31 polymorphic di- and trinucleotide microsatellite marker loci for Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana Englem.). In addition, primer pairs for 16 loci amplified scoreable alleles in six other Euga species. In eastern North America, both Carolina hemlock and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 1L.I Carr.) populations are declining due to infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae. The markers described here should enhance population genetic studies of hemlocks, providing valuable information for conserving and restoring these important forest tree species.