Genetic variation in three Chinese peat mosses (Sphagnum) based on microsatellite markers, with primer information and analysis of ascertainment bias

Primer sequences are provided for amplification of 21 microsatellite-containing loci in Sphagnum. Although these primers were developed for species in Sphagnum section Subsecunda, they amplify microsatellite loci in most species that have been tested across the genus Sphagnum. Results are described from a survey of genetic variation in three species of Sphagnum collected in China: S. junghuhnianum in section Acutifolia, and S. palustre and S. imbricatum in section Sphagnum. Six and eight multilocus genotypes were detected within one population each of S. junghuhnianum and S. palustre, respectively. Four populations of S. imbricatum were sampled; they vary substantially in allele frequencies and in the amount of genetic diversity detected; overall, approximately 40% of the genetic variation sampled within S. imbricatum could be attributed to differentiation among populations. Microsatellite profiles indicate that S. palustre gametophytes are diploid whereas those of S. junghuhnianum and S. imbricatum are haploid.