Identification and characterization of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from Fragaria x ananassa expressed sequences

The availability of expressed sequence data derived from gene discovery programmes enables mining for simple sequence repeats (SSRs), providing useful genetic markers for crop improvement. These markers are inexpensive, require minimal labour to produce and can frequently be associated with functionally annotated genes. This study reports on the development and characterization of expressed sequence tag (EST)-SSR markers in the cultivated strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa. Fourteen primer pairs were assessed for polymorphism in 13 F. x ananassa genotypes. The markers show reliable amplification and considerable polymorphism, demonstrating the utility of EST-SSRs for genetic analysis of commercial strawberry germplasm.