Development and characterization of 41 novel EST-SSR markers for Pisum sativum (Leguminosae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed in Pisum sativum for further use in genetic studies and breeding programs. METHODS AND RESULTS Forty-one novel EST-SSR primers were developed and characterized for size polymorphism in 32 Pisum sativum individuals from four populations from China. In each population, the number of alleles per locus ranged from one to seven, with observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0 to 0.8889 and 0 to 0.8400, respectively. Furthermore, 53.7% of these markers could be transferred to the related species, Vicia faba. CONCLUSIONS The developed markers have potential for application in the study of genetic diversity, germplasm appraisal, and marker-assisted breeding in pea and other legume species.