Development of Microsatellite Markers in Aconitum austrokoreense Koidz., an Endemic and Endangered Medicinal Plant of Korea

We used next-generation sequencing to develop 9 novel microsatellite markers in Aconitum austrokoreense, an endemic and endangered medicinal plant in Korea. Owing to its very limited distribution, over-harvesting for traditional medicinal purposes, and habitat loss, the species is dramatically in decline in its natural populations in Korea. All novel microsatellite markers were successfully genotyped using 64 samples from two populations (Mt. Choejeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do and Ungseokbong, Gyeongsangnam-do) of Gyeongsang Province. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 7 per locus in each population. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.031 to 0.938 and from 0.031 to 0.697, respectively. These markers will be valuable tools for assessing the genetic diversity of A. austrokoreense and for germplasm conservation of this endangered species. In addition, two genetic clusters were detected by the Structure analysis.