Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from apomictic Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaceae)

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed to study the origins and evolution of apomictic Hypericum perforatum, a polyploid invasive perennial herb indigenous to Europe that produces compounds of medicinal/pharmaceutical importance. • Methods and Results: Eleven primer sets were developed using a non‐radioactive protocol. All loci were polymorphic, showing from 2 to 9 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosity averaged 0.861 and 0.772, respectively, across four studied populations. Most primers also amplified successfully in eight other Hypericum species. • Conclusions: Markers developed in this study provide genetic tools for studies of apomixis and invasiveness, both on the intra‐ and interspecific levels.