Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Opisthopappus taihangensis (Compositae), a rare herb endemic to China

Using an enriched genomic library, we developed and characterized 10 polymorphic microsatellite primers for Opisthopappus taihangensis, a rare herb endemic to China. Number of alleles varied from 2 to 8 per locus, observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.214 to 0.929 and 0.262 to 0.746 respectively. Significantly deviations from HWE were detected in two loci. These microsatellite loci would be useful for studies of genetic variation, genetic structure, and mating systems of O. taihangensis, which are important for the further conservation of this rare species.