An improved genetic linkage map for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) combining AFLP, RFLP, RAPD, biochemical markers, and biological resistance traits.

An improved genetic linkage map has been constructed for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) based on the segregation of various molecular markers and biological resistance traits in a population of 94 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between 'IT84S-2049' and '524B'. A set of 242 molecular markers, mostly amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), linked to 17 biological resistance traits, resistance genes, and resistance gene analogs (RGAs) were scored for segregation within the parental and recombinant inbred lines. These data were used in conjunction with the 181 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), AFLP, and biochemical markers previously mapped to construct an integrated linkage map for cowpea. The new genetic map of cowpea consists of 11 linkage groups (LGs) spanning a total of 2670 cM, with an average distance of 6.43 cM between markers. Astonishingly, a large, contiguous portion of LG1 that had been undetected in previous mapping work was discovered. This region, spanning about 580 cM, is composed entirely of AFLP markers (54 in total). In addition to the construction of a new map, molecular markers associated with various biological resistance and (or) tolerance traits, resistance genes, and RGAs were also placed on the map, including markers for resistance to Striga gesnerioides races 1 and 3, CPMV, CPSMV, B1CMV, SBMV, Fusarium wilt, and root-knot nematodes. These markers will be useful for the development of tools for marker-assisted selection in cowpea breeding, as well as for subsequent map-based cloning of the various resistance genes.     

Development of STS markers for Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton based on RGA–AFLP analysis

Verticillium wilt (VW) is one of the most destructive diseases of cotton that decreases yield and quality. Identification of resistance gene analogs (RGAs) can provide potential candidate gene markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) for VW resistance and cloning of VW resistance genes. The objective of this study was to convert RGA-targeted RGA–AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers into sequence-tagged site (STS) markers. A total of 54 RGA–AFLP markers, including 28 from a backcross inbred line (BIL) population and 26 from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, were cloned and sequenced. Of the resulted 86 unique sequences, the majority were found to be homologous to genes, some of which showed similarity to genes encoding resistance-related products. A total of 163 STS primer pairs were designed and screened in the BIL population, 72 of which were also screened in the RIL population, resulting in 21 polymorphic STS markers in the BIL population and seven in the RIL population. Twelve STS markers were mapped onto eight chromosomes or linkage groups in the BIL population, six of which were mapped on the same chromosomes with their original RGA–AFLP markers including two STS markers on c4 flanking two VW resistance quantitative trait loci. These STS markers will be useful in MAS in breeding cotton for VW resistance. This study represents the first attempt to successfully convert RGA–AFLP markers into STS for mapping resistance genes in cotton.     

Characterization and mapping of NBS-LRR resistance gene analogs in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Genomic DNA sequences sharing homology with the NBS-LRR (nucleotide binding site-leucine-rich repeat) resistance genes were isolated and cloned from apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) using a PCR approach with degenerate primers designed from conserved regions of the NBS domain. Restriction digestion and sequence analyses of the amplified fragments led to the identification of 43 unique amino acid sequences grouped into six families of resistance gene analogs (RGAs). All of the RGAs identified belong to the Toll-Interleukin receptor (TIR) group of the plant disease resistance genes (R-genes). RGA-specific primers based on non-conserved regions of the NBS domain were developed from the consensus sequences of each RGA family. These primers were used to develop amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)-RGA markers by means of an AFLP-modified procedure where one standard primer is substituted by an RGA-specific primer. Using this method, 27 polymorphic markers, six of which shared homology with the TIR class of the NBS-LRR R-genes, were obtained from 17 different primer combinations. Of these 27 markers, 16 mapped in an apricot genetic map previously constructed from the self-pollination of the cultivar Lito. The development of AFLP-RGA markers may prove to be useful for marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning of R-genes in apricot.     

Beyond an AFLP genome scan towards the identification of immune genes involved in plague resistance in Rattus rattus from Madagascar

Genome scans using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers became popular in nonmodel species within the last 10 years, but few studies have tried to characterize the anonymous outliers identified. This study follows on from an AFLP genome scan in the black rat (Rattus rattus), the reservoir of plague (Yersinia pestis infection) in Madagascar. We successfully sequenced 17 of the 22 markers previously shown to be potentially affected by plague‐mediated selection and associated with a plague resistance phenotype. Searching these sequences in the genome of the closely related species Rattus norvegicus assigned them to 14 genomic regions, revealing a random distribution of outliers in the genome (no clustering). We compared these results with those of an in silico AFLP study of the R. norvegicus genome, which showed that outlier sequences could not have been inferred by this method in R. rattus (only four of the 15 sequences were predicted). However, in silico analysis allowed the prediction of AFLP markers distribution and the estimation of homoplasy rates, confirming its potential utility for designing AFLP studies in nonmodel species. The 14 genomic regions surrounding AFLP outliers (less than 300 kb from the marker) contained 75 genes encoding proteins of known function, including nine involved in immune function and pathogen defence. We identified the two interleukin 1 genes (Il1a and Il1b) that share homology with an antigen of Y. pestis, as the best candidates for genes subject to plague‐mediated natural selection. At least six other genes known to be involved in proinflammatory pathways may also be affected by plague‐mediated selection.     

Identification of two AFLP markers linked to bacterial wilt resistance in tomato and conversion to SCAR markers

Tomato bacterial wilt (BW) incited by Ralstonia solanacearum is a constraint on tomato production in tropical, subtropical and humid regions of the world. In this paper, we present the results of a research aimed at the identification of PCR-based markers amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) linked to the genes that confer resistance to tomato BW. To this purpose, bulked segregant analysis was applied to an F₂ population segregating for the BW resistant gene and derived from the pair-cross between a BW resistant cultivar T51A and the susceptible cultivar T9230. Genetic analysis indicated that tomato BW was conferred by two incomplete dominant genes. A CTAB method for total DNA extraction, developed by Murray and Thompson with some modifications was used to isolation the infected tomato leaves. Thirteen differential fragments were detected using 256 primer combinations, and two AFLP markers were linked to the BW resistance. Subsequently, the AFLP markers were converted to co-dominant SCAR markers, named TSCAR_AAT/CGA and TSCAR_AAG/CAT. Linkage analysis showed that the two markers are on the contralateral side of TRSR-1. Genetic distance between TSCAR_AAT/CGA and TRS-1 was estimated to 4.6 cM, while 8.4 cM between TSCAR_AAG/CAT and TRS-1.     

Linkage map of Japanese black pine based on AFLP and RAPD markers including markers linked to resistance against the pine needle gall midge

Macrogametophytes derived from the seeds of a tree resistant to pine needle gall midge (PGM) were analyzed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). A total of 244 segregating loci were detected among 71 macrogametophytes. Combining the AFLP results with previously reported segregation data for 127 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, 157 AFLP and 50 RAPD markers with confirmed map positions were assigned to 20 linkage groups and three pairs covering 2085.5 cM with an average distance of 10.1 cM. The total map distance covers about 77.1–78.4% of the total genome, estimated to be approximately 2665–2719 cM in length. Thus, using AFLP markers, the previous RAPD map of this tree was improved in terms of the average distance between markers, the total map distance, and coverage of the genome. Three RAPD markers linked to a gene associated with resistance to PGM were also located on this map. Rceived: 14 April 2000 / Accepted: 21 August 2000     

Conversion of AFLP fragments tightly linked to SCMV resistance genes Scmv1 and Scmv2 into simple PCR-based markers

In a previous study, bulked segregant analysis with amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) identified several markers closely linked to the sugarcane mosaic virus resistance genes Scmv1 on chromosome 6 and Scmv2 on chromosome 3. Six AFLP markers (E33M61-2, E33M52, E38M51, E82M57, E84M59 and E93M53) were located on chromosome 3 and two markers (E33M61-1 and E35M62-1) on chromosome 6. Our objective in the present study was to sequence the respective AFLP bands in order to convert these dominant markers into more simple and reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequence-tagged site markers. Six AFLP markers resulted either in complete identical sequences between the six inbreds investigated in this study or revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms within the inbred lines and were, therefore, not converted. One dominant AFLP marker (E35M62-1) was converted into an insertion/deletion (indel) marker and a second AFLP marker (E33M61-2) into a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker. Mapping of both converted PCR-based markers confirmed their localization to the same chromosome region (E33M61-2 on chromosome 3; E35M62-1 on chromosome 6) as the original AFLP markers. Thus, these markers will be useful for marker-assisted selection and facilitate map-based cloning of SCMV resistance genes.     

Development of sequence characterized DNA markers linked to leaf rust (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hemileia vastatrix</Emphasis>) resistance in coffee (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Coffea arabica</Emphasis> L.)

Coffee leaf rust due to Hemileia vastatrix is one of the most serious diseases in Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica). A resistance gene (S_H3) has been transferred from C. liberica into C. arabica. The present work aimed at developing sequence-characterized genetic markers for leaf rust resistance. Linkage between markers and leaf rust resistance was tested by analysing two segregating populations, one F₂ population of 101 individuals and one backcross (BC₂) population of 43 individuals, derived from a cross between a susceptible and a SH3-introgressed resistant genotype. A total of ten sequence-characterized genetic markers closely associated with the S_H3 leaf rust resistance gene were generated. These included simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers, sequence-characterised amplified regions (SCAR) markers resulting from the conversion of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers previously identified and SCAR markers derived from end-sequences of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. Those BAC clones were identified by screening of C. arabica genomic BAC library using a cloned AFLP-marker as probe. The markers we developed are easy and inexpensive to run, requiring one PCR step followed by gel separation. While three markers were linked in repulsion with the S_H3 gene, seven markers were clustered in coupling around the S_H3 gene. Notably, two markers appeared to co-segregate perfectly with the S_H3 gene in the two plant populations analyzed. These markers are suitable for marker-assisted selection for leaf rust resistance and to facilitate pyramiding of the S_H3 gene with other leaf rust resistance genes.     

Conversion of AFLP markers to high-throughput markers in a complex polyploid,sugarcane

The application of DNA markers linked to traits of commercial value in sugarcane may increase the efficiency of sugarcane breeding. The majority of markers generated for quantitative trait locus mapping in sugarcane have been single sequence repeats or AFLPs (amplified fragment length polymorphisms). Since AFLP markers are not adapted for large-scale implementation in plant breeding, our objective was to assess the feasibility of converting AFLP markers to fast, cheap and reliable PCR-based assays in a complex polyploid, sugarcane. Three AFLP markers were selected on the basis of an association to resistance to the fungal pathogen Ustilago scitaminea, the causal agent of smut in sugarcane. We developed an approach which enabled the identification of polymorphisms in these AFLP markers. Towards this goal, we employed GenomeWalking and 454 sequencing to isolate sequences adjacent to the linked AFLP markers and identify SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) haplotypes present in the homo(eo)logous chromosomes of sugarcane. One AFLP marker was converted to a cleavage amplified polymorphic sequence marker, another to a SCAR (sequence characteristered amplified region) marker and the final AFLP marker to a SNP PCR-based assay. However, validation of each of the markers in 240 genotypes resulted in 99, 90 and 60% correspondence with the original AFLP marker. These experiments indicate that even in a complex polyploid such as sugarcane, polymorphisms identified by AFLP can be converted to high-throughput marker systems, but due to the complexity this would only be carried out for high-value markers. In some cases, the polymorphisms identified are not transferable to more sequence-specific PCR applications.     

SCAR markers linked to the common bean rust resistance gene Ur-13

Rust in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is caused by Uromyces appendiculatus Pers.:Pers. (Unger) which exhibits a high level of pathogenic diversity. Resistance to this disease is conditioned by a considerable number of genes. Pyramiding resistance genes is desirable and could be simplified by the use of molecular markers closely linked to the genes. The resistance gene Ur-13, present in the South African large seeded cultivar Kranskop, has been used extensively in the local breeding program. The purpose of this study was the development of a molecular marker linked to Ur-13. An F₂ population derived from a cross between Kranskop and a susceptible (South African) cultivar Bonus was used in combination with bulked segregant analysis utilizing the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. Seven AFLP fragments linked significantly to the rust resistance and five were successfully converted to sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. The co-dominant SCAR markers derived from a 405 bp EAACMACC fragment, KB126, was located 1.6 cM from the gene. Two additional SCAR markers and one cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker were located further from the gene. The gene was mapped to linkage group B8 on the BAT 93/Jalo EEP 558 core map (chromosome 3).     

Identification of restriction fragment length polymorphism and random amplified polymorphic DNA markers linked to downy mildew resistance genes in lettuce, using near-isogenic lines.

Near-isogenic lines were used to identify restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers linked to genes for resistance to downy mildew (Dm) in lettuce. Two pairs of near-isogenic lines that differed for Dm1 plus Dm3 and one pair of near-isogenic lines that differed for Dm11 were used as sources of DNA. Over 500 cDNAs and 212 arbitrary 10-mer oligonucleotide primers were screened for their ability to detect polymorphism between the near-isogenic lines. Four RFLP markers and four RAPD markers were identified as linked to the Dm1 and Dm3 region. Dm1 and Dm3 are members of a cluster of seven Dm genes. Marker CL922 was absolutely linked to Dm15 and Dm16, which are part of this cluster. Six RAPD markers were identified as linked to the Dm11 region. The use of RAPD markers allowed us to increase the density of markers in the two Dm regions in a short time. These regions were previously only sparsely populated with RFLP markers. The rapid screening and identification of tightly linked markers to the target genes demonstrated the potential of RAPD markers for saturating genetic maps.     

Mapping markers linked to porcine salmonellosis susceptibility

The goal of this study was to identify pig chromosomal regions associated with susceptibility to salmonellosis. Genomic DNA from pig reference populations with differences in susceptibility to Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis as quantified by spleen and liver bacterial colonization at day 7 post-infection (dpi; Van Diemen et al. 2002 ) was used. These samples belonged to the offspring of a sire thought to be heterozygous for genes involved in susceptibility to salmonellosis. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were created and used to determine associations with spleen or bacterial counts at 7 dpi. To position linked markers, two mapping populations, the Roslin and Uppsala PiGMaP pedigrees were used to create an integrated map which included the AFLP markers associated with salmonellosis. Twenty-six AFLP markers located in 14 different chromosomal regions in the porcine genome were found to be significantly associated with susceptibility (Chi-square P  < 0.05). More than one linked marker was found on chromosomes 1, 7, 13, 14 and 18. It is likely that these regions contain genes involved in Salmonella susceptibility. Regions on chromosomes 1, 7 and 14 were significantly associated with Salmonella counts in the liver and regions on chromosomes 11, 13 and 18 with counts in spleen. The identification of these chromosomal regions highlights specific areas to search for candidate genes that may be involved in innate or adaptive immunity. Further investigation into these chromosomal regions would be useful to improve our understanding of host responses to infection with this widespread pathogen.     

羊草种质基因组DNA的AFLP多态性研究

羊草是禾本科牧草之王 ,在当前我国西部生态建设和草原畜牧业发展中发挥着重要作用。用AFLP方法对2 7份我国不同地区分布的羊草 (Leymuschinensis (Trin .)Tzvel)材料进行了基因组DNA多态性分析 ,8对AFLP引物组合在 2 7个不同羊草基因型中共扩增出 5 37条带 ,产生出的DNA片段大小分布在 75bp - 5 30bp之间。其中单态性带 89条 ,占 16 .6 % ,多态性带 32 9条 ,占 6 1.3%。平均每对引物组合扩增的DNA带数为 6 6 .13,总的多态性比率为 78.84%。AFLP多态信息含量PIC值分布于 0 .0 - 0 .5之间 ,平均PIC值为 0 .2 16 ,出现的PIC最大值 (0 .5 )约占AFLP标记的 8.5 % ,说明羊草基因组DNA的多态性比较丰富。以 5 37个AFLP标记为原始数据 ,根据Nei和Li的方法对 2 7份羊草材料进行遗传变异和聚类分析的结果表明 :羊草种内有高频率的遗传变异发生 ,且与地理分布和生态环境密切相关 ;2 7份羊草不同基因型被划分为四大类群 ,不同类群相互间的遗传距离相对较大 ,在树状图中表现为较远的亲缘关系。对羊草种内遗传变异发生的原因和品种的形成进行了初步讨论。     

Conversion of AFLP markers to sequence-specific markers for closely related lines in rice by use of the rice genome sequence

DNA polymorphism between two major japonica rice cultivars, Nipponbare and Koshihikari, was identified by AFLP. Eighty-four polymorphic AFLP markers were obtained by analysis with 360 combinations of primer pairs. Nucleotide sequences of 73 markers, 29 from Nipponbare and 44 from Koshihikari, were determined, and 46 AFLP markers could be assigned to rice chromosomes based on sequence homology to the rice genome sequence. Specific primers were designed for amplification of the regions covering the AFLP markers and the flanking sequences. Out of the 46 primer pairs, 44 amplified single DNA fragments, six of which showed different sizes between Nipponbare and Koshihikari, yielding codominant SCAR markers. Eight primer pairs amplified only Nipponbare sequences, providing dominant SCAR markers. DNA fragments amplified by 13 primer pairs showed polymorphism by CAPS, and polymorphism of those amplified by 13 other primer pairs were detected by PCR-RF-SSCP (PRS). Nucleotide sequences of the other four DNA fragments were determined in Koshihikari, but no difference was found between Koshihikari and Nipponbare. In total, 40 sequence-specific markers for the combination of Nipponbare and Koshihikari were produced. All the SNPs identified by AFLP were detectable by CAPS and PRS. The same method was applicable to a combination of Kokoromachi and Tohoku 168, and 23 polymorphic markers were identified using these two rice cultivars. The procedure of conversion of AFLP-markers to the sequence-specific markers used in this study enables efficient sequence-specific marker production for closely related cultivars.     

Development of a CAPS marker for the Pvr4 locus: a tool for pyramiding potyvirus resistance genes in pepper.

The Pvr4 resistance gene in pepper confers a complete resistance to the three pathotypes of potato virus Y (PVY) and to pepper mottle virus (PepMoV). In order to use this gene in a marker-assisted selection (MAS) program and to permit the pyramiding of several potyvirus resistance genes in the same cultivar, tightly linked amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were obtained by the bulked segregant analysis method. Eight linked AFLP markers were mapped in an interval from 2.1 +/- 0.8 to 13.8 +/- 2.9 cM around this locus. The closest codominant AFLP marker was converted into a codominant CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence) marker using data from the alignment of the two allele sequences. We have further characterized the relevance of the CAPS marker for MAS programs in different pepper breeding lines.     

Genetic analysis of scab resistance QTL in wheat with microsatellite and AFLP markers.

Three chromosomal regions associated with scab resistance were detected in a common cultivar, Ning7840, by microsatellite and AFLP analysis. Six microsatellites on chromosome 3BS, Xgwm389, Xgwm533, Xbarc147, Xgwm493, Xbarc102, and Xbarc131, were integrated into an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) linkage group containing a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for scab resistance in a mapping population of 133 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from 'Ning7840' x 'Clark'. Based on single-factor analysis of variance of scab infection data from four experiments, Xgwm533 and Xbarc147 were the two microsatellite markers most tightly associated with the major scab resistance QTL. Interval analysis based on the integrated map of AFLP and microsatellite markers showed that the major QTL was located in a chromosome region about 8 cM in length around Xgwm533 and Xbarc147. Based on mapping of six microsatellite markers on eight 3BS deletion lines, the major QTL was located distal to breakage point 3BS-8. In total, 18 microsatellites were physically located on different subarm regions on 3BS. Two microsatellites, Xgwm120 and Xgwm614, were significantly associated with QTL for scab resistance on chromosome 2BL and 2AS, respectively. The resistance alleles on 3BS, 2BL, and 2AS were all derived from 'Ning7840'. Significant interaction between the major QTL on 3BS and the QTL on 2BL was detected based on microsatellite markers linked to them. Using these microsatellite markers would facilitate marker-assisted selection to improve scab resistance in wheat.     

AFLP mapping of soybean maturity gene E4

Days to flowering and maturity are controlled by genes E1-E7 and J in soybean. Previous studies revealed that E1-E5 and E7 influence tolerances to low-temperature-induced seed coat browning in different directions at various intensities. The E4 locus is useful for the development of early maturing cultivars with chilling tolerance because the recessive allele conditions both the early-maturing habit and chilling tolerance. This study was conducted to obtain a fine map of E4 by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis using a F(8:9) family segregating for E4 that was developed from a cross between photoperiod-insensitive Japanese landraces, Sakamotowase (E4) and Miharudaizu (e4). AFLP analysis using a total of 4096 primer pairs detected 20 polymorphic markers between near-isogenic lines for E4. Linkage mapping incorporated 16 AFLP markers into a previously constructed genetic map around E4 in linkage group I. Eight AFLP markers were localized to unfilled areas between E4 and the closest markers identified previously. Two AFLP markers flanking E4, e48m41-8 and e18m38-8, were mapped at positions 0.6 and 5.4 cM apart from E4, respectively. They were dominant and in cis arrangement with the recessive allele (e4) conditioning the photoperiod insensitivity and chilling tolerance. These markers can be used in developing more precise markers for fine mapping and marker-assisted selection and in isolating the underlying gene via genome walking approaches.     

Saturation of two chromosome regions conferring resistance to SCMV with SSR and AFLP markers by targeted BSA

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and bulked segregant analyses (BSA) identified the major genes Scmv1 on chromosome 6 and Scmv2 on chromosome 3, conferring resistance against sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) in maize. Both chromosome regions were further enriched for SSR and AFLP markers by targeted bulked segregant analysis (tBSA) in order to identify and map only markers closely linked to either Scmv1 or Scmv2. For identification of markers closely linked to the target genes, symptomless individuals of advanced backcross generations BC5 to BC9 were employed. All AFLP markers, identified by tBSA using 400 EcoRI/ MseI primer combinations, mapped within both targeted marker intervals. Fourteen SSR and six AFLP markers mapped to the Scmv1 region. Eleven SSR and 18 AFLP markers were located in the Scmv2 region. Whereas the linear order of SSR markers and the window size for the Scmv2 region fitted well with publicly available genetic maps, map distances and window size differed substantially for the Scmv1 region on chromosome 6. A possible explanation for the observed discrepancies is the presence of two closely linked resistance genes in the Scmv1 region.     

Identification of SCAR markers linked to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pl-w</Emphasis> mildew resistance in apple

Resistance to powdery mildew is an important objective for cultivar improvement programmes of apple and several different major genes for resistance to mildew are available. Molecular markers linked to such key traits can be used to screen progenies for resistant individuals. A progeny derived from the crab apple 'White Angel' (the source of Pl-w) was screened for resistance to mildew for two seasons in the glasshouse and four seasons in the field. DNA bulks of resistant and susceptible seedlings were screened with 176 AFLP primer combinations. Seven AFLP markers were identified that differentiated the bulks, and two of these markers were developed into SCARs, EM M01 and EM M02, mapping at 4.6 and 6.4 recombination units from Pl-w.