Abstract

The genus Tillandsia L. is the most diversified genus of Bromeliaceae and represents one of the most specialized cases of vascular epiphytism: the ‘atmospheric bromeliads.’ Such great diversity and ecological specialization make it an interesting model for evolutionary and population genetics studies. Here we report the cross-transferability of SSR markers isolated from other bromeliad species to Tillandsia recurvata (L.) L. and T. aeranthos (Loisel.) Desf., epiphytes with great abundance in both natural and anthropogenic-modified environments, but with contrasting patterns of geographic distribution and mating systems. We tested a total of 27 microsatellite markers and successfully amplified seven polymorphic markers in T. recurvata and T. aeranthos . We then described cross-amplified markers in two populations per species, sampled in both anthropogenic-transformed and natural environments. T. recurvata presented lower allelic richness and heterozygosities, and greater inbreeding coefficient values. Such differences clearly reflect their contrasting mating systems (self-fertilizing in T. recurvata versus self-incompatible in T. aeranthus). The set of cross-amplified microsatellite markers described here will be a helpful tool to address a range of evolutionary and ecological questions.

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