Large scale identification of SSR marker in perilla by next generation sequencing

Perilla frutescens (L.) is an edible, medicinal crop, and most popular in East Asia. Its molecular breeding and research are hampered by the paucity of molecular markers. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are ubiquitous and widely used in eukaryotic genomes. EST-SSRs identification of perilla was performed in 116,387 reads generated by Illumina paired-end sequencing technology. In total 25,449 unigenes containing SSR and 33,867 SSR loci were identified, and 19,400 primer pairs were designed. Polymorphism of SSR primers was conducted by searching for insertions and deletions (INDELs), and 1,567 unique SSRs were predicted. Totally, 200 SSR primer pairs were selected for polymorphic validation among 23 perilla accessions. Results showed that 175 primer pairs produced amplicons, and 30 pairs exhibited polymorphism. Polymorphic ratio was higher by using INDEL method than using conventional primers. Phylogenetic analysis showed the 2 distinct groups: P. frutescens var. frutescens and P. frutescens var. crispa. Wrinkled leaf trait and seed trait were distinct between these 2 groups. However, no clear leaf color or geographic relationship was detected. The large scale development and identification of SSR marker in this research laid a foundation for genetic analysis and marker assisted breeding of cultivated perilla.