Developing EST-SSR markers to study molecular diversity in Liriope and Ophiopogon

Twenty-two EST-SSR loci for further genetic analysis of Liriope and Ophiopogon species were developed by analyzing of 545 ESTs in Ophiopogon japonicus cDNA library and used to assess genetic diversity and population structure in 68 Liriope and Ophiopogon accessions (Liriope platyphylla, Liriope spicata, O. japonicus, and Ophiopogon jaburan). Among the 22 SSR loci, the di-nucleotide motif was the most prevalent, with a ratio of 56%, and AG/GA was the most common among di-nucleotide repeats, accounting for 42%. The polymorphic analysis showed a broad genetic background with an average genetic diversity index of 0.46. A model-based STRUCTURE analysis revealed the presence of three subpopulations, which was basically consistent with clustering based on the genetic distance. These newly developed EST-SSR markers will be useful for further studies such as taxonomy and molecular breeding studies and will further enhance our scientific understanding of the population genetic and conservation of Liriope and Ophiopogon. ► 22 polymorphic EST-SSR markers were first developed in Liriope and Ophiopogon. ► EST-SSRs showed good transferability cross four species. ► The genetic distribution in Liriope is not related to geographical area in Korea. ► These newly markers provided useful information for molecular diversity analysis.