Characterization of simple sequence repeats in Japanese chestnut

Fifteen SSR (simple sequence repeat) loci were developed in Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata Sieb et Zucc.) using a genomic library enriched for (AG)/(TC). The SSR loci obtained produced 1-16 alleles per locus, of which 14 showed polymorphisms. The average values of heterozygosity and polymorphic information content among the 14 loci were 0.50 and 0.54, respectively. Genetic relatedness was evaluated for 30 Japanese chestnut accessions using 14 polymorphic SSR loci, with no distinct differences in allele composition observed between cultivated and wild natures as well as between Japanese and Korean origins. SSR loci developed in the Japanese chestnut could be successfully transferable to other Castanea species. Diversity and genetic relationship in Castanea spp. was examined based on the nucleotide sequences of putative SSR alleles.