# Development of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers from a Genome Survey of a Cymbidium kanran Makino Population in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea

## TL;DR

Researchers developed genetic markers to study and protect a rare orchid species on Jeju Island.

## Contribution

New SSR markers were developed to distinguish Jeju's Cymbidium kanran from other populations.

## Key findings

- 86 SSR marker candidates were identified from genome sequencing.
- 25 polymorphic SSR markers were selected for their usefulness in conservation and identification.
- The markers will help in conservation and cultivar identification of C. kanran.

## Abstract

The Cymbidium kanran Makino, an economically significant ornamental plant, is observed in small numbers in its natural habitat on Jeju Island in South Korea. C. kanran of Jeju is afforded protection due to a decline in its population resulting from environmental changes and illegal poaching. We developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to analyze the differences to other C. kanran through molecular genetic studies. Based on the results of the Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis and whole genome sequencing, 86 initial SSR marker candidates were selected in silico. After excluding those that were structurally unsuitable, 40 were reselected through polymorphism testing. Finally, 25 markers were selected based on the diversity test and their applicability to real samples. The newly developed markers will prove invaluable in substantiating the distinctiveness of C. kanran from Jeju, as well as in the processes of conservation, restoration, and the identification of cultivars.