Development of genic and genomic microsatellites in Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Fabaceae) using Illumina sequencing

Twenty new polymorphic genic SSRs (EST-SSRs) and 13 genomic SSRs were developed in honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) using Illumina transcriptome and low-coverage genome sequencing. A diversity panel of 40 honeylocust samples covering large parts of the species distribution range was characterized. As expected the level of genetic variation was lower in EST-SSRs than for non-genic genomic SSRs. This is the first report of EST-SSRs for honeylocust. All markers are polymorphic and produce clear single locus amplification products and can be used for genetic diversity and gene flow analyses. The transcriptome sequencing data provide a rich resource for new marker development.