Population Genetics of Polyploid Complex Psidium cattleyanum Sabine (Myrtaceae): Preliminary Analyses Based on New Species-Specific Microsatellite Loci and Extension to Other Species of the Genus

Polyploidy is a phenomenon that alters the genetic diversity of populations and has been reported as one of the most important evolutionary forces for plant diversification. The Psidium cattleyanum complex comprises a group of wild populations with several ploidy levels reported in the literature. The multiple cytotypes, associated with its wide distribution area, make this species a potential key model for understanding evolutionary processes related to polyploidization. In this study, we isolated and characterized nuclear microsatellite markers of P. cattleyanum and tested their transferability to other nine species of the genus. We performed a preliminary analysis of genetic diversity and population structure in three populations of P. cattleyanum. The three populations analyzed had different chromosome numbers, being polyploid cytotypes (2n = 6x = 66, 2n = 7x = 77 and 2n = 8x = 88). We designed 46 primer pairs and successfully amplified 37 markers, from which the 10 best were selected for analysis. Considering both the PIC and DP values, most of markers were highly informative. The new SSR markers were used to assess the levels of genetic diversity of the populations and detected one population with predominance of sexual reproduction. DAPC analysis pointed the formation of three groups, which corresponded to the populations analyzed. The markers were successfully amplified in related species, with some species presenting 80% transferability. By producing this panel of polymorphic microsatellites, we contribute to the understanding evolution in groups of natural polyploids for future studies.