Abstract
Redbay, Perseaborbonia (L.) Spreng., is a common evergreen tree or shrub native to the swamp forests of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains in the United States. In the past decade, redbay populations have suffered extensive mortality caused by the vascular disease Laurel wilt (Raffaelealauricola Eichhoff), which has been spread by the exotic redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborusglabratus Eichhoff). The disease is threatening the economic, ecologic and aesthetic functions of redbay. Early efforts to preserve genetic diversity of the threatened species, through seed and vegetative propagule collections have occurred without the benefit of guidance from a molecular characterization of existing genetic variation. Molecular markers may prove useful in guiding efficient conservation efforts for this species. Here we surveyed 51 genomic microsatellite (gSSR) markers derived from low-coverage whole genome sequencing of redbay with a panel of 25 unrelated redbay trees from eastern South Carolina.