Characterization of 15 novel microsatellite loci for Cypripedium calceolus (Orchidaceae) using MiSeq sequencing

Lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) serves as a flagship species for plant conservation in many European countries. Its populations are threatened by over-collecting and loss of suitable habitat. Information on local and regional genetic structure can help to develop appropriate conservation strategies. A total of fifteen novel microsatellite markers were developed using MiSeq sequencing. All loci found to be polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 2 to 8. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.19 to 0.89. The developed microsatellite markers will be useful to analyze genetic diversity and genetic structure of C. calceolus populations.