Inheritance of RAPD markers in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), blue catfish (I. furcatus), and their F1, F2 and backcross hybrids

The channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) has become the most important aquaculture species in the USA. A genetic linkage map in catfish is needed to improve efficiency of breeding by marker-assisted selection (MAS) and for identification of economically important genes such as disease resistance genes. To identify DNA-based genetic polymorphism, the present authors tested 42 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers for their utility in identifying genetic polymorphism in catfish. Out of these primers, 22 generated 171 highly reproducible RAPD markers, producing almost eight polymorphic bands per primer. The remaining 20 primers produced an additional 20 polymorphic bands. The RAPD markers were highly reproducible, transmitted to F1 hybrids, and segregated in F2 or backcross progeny in ratios that did not differ from Mendelian expectations. Because the interspecific hybrids of channel catfish and blue catfish are fertile, RAPD markers using the interspecific hybrid system will be useful for rapid construction of genetic linkage maps of catfish and for analysis of important quantitative trait loci.