Multiplex pcr panels of novel microsatellites for the ark shell scapharca broughtonii (Pteriomorphia, Arcoida)

A pivotal role of conservation genetics is to establish an appropriate strategy to maintain the genetic diversity of animals with dwindling natural resources. Tackling this issue requires polymorphic genetic markers such as microsatellites. We developed 11 microsatellite markers for a marine bivalve, the ark shell (Scapharca broughtonii), whose natural resources have considerably declined in recent years. We applied the novel markers coupled with a previously reported one to multiplex polymerase chain reaction trials, successfully allocating them into four multiplex panels. Of the 11 markers, nine met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P> 0.05) with a certain degree of polymorphisms in a natural population, suggesting the potential of the markers in its application to the conservation genetics for the ark shell.