The Development Of Microsatellite Markers For The Culturally And Economically Significant Plant, Allium Tricoccum Ait.

Allium tricoccum Ait. is an herbaceous monocot in the Amaryllidaceae family and is most commonly known as a ramp or wild leek. Allium tricoccum is traditionally used in Appalachian cultures, but it has gained the attention of the general public over the past two decades. Although not a rare plant, its growing popularity has led to over-harvesting and population declines. The purpose of this project was to develop microsatellite markers for Allium tricoccum. An Illumina MiSeq library was produced, and 50 potential microsatellite loci were screened for successful amplification using PCR. This project also screened for marker amplification in the narrow-leaved wild leek, Allium tricoccum var. burdickii, and the nodding onion, Allium cernuum. Nineteen of the 50 (30%) screened markers successfully amplified. This work will provide the tools necessary for population genetic studies of Allium tricoccum and will help inform conservation management decisions.