Cranberry microsatellite marker development from assembled next-generation genomic sequence

The large-fruited cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a native North American fruit that is a rich source of dietary phytochemicals with demonstrated and potential benefits for human health. Cranberry is a perennial, self-fertile 2n=2x=24 diploid, with a haploid genome size about 570 Mbp. Present commercial cultivars are only a few breeding and selection cycles removed from their wild progenitors. Resources, such as transcript or genomic sequences, molecular genetic markers, and genetic linkage maps, are needed to facilitate genetic enhancement. We have begun to generate these resources, starting with next-generation (SOLiD mate-paired) sequencing of an inbred cranberry clone, assembling the reads, and developing microsatellite markers from the assembled sequence. Development and testing of cranberry genomic microsatellite primers allows 1) testing the accuracy of the sequence assembly, 2) acquiring much-needed molecular markers for a genetic linkage map of cranberry and 3) permitting sequence scaffolds to be anchored on the genetic map.