Genetic linkage map in sour cherry using RFLP markers

 Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) linkage maps of two tetraploid sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L., 2n=4x=32) cultivars, Rheinische Schattenmorelle (RS) and Erdi Botermo (EB), were constructed from 86 progeny from the cross RS×EB. The RS linkage map consists of 126 single-dose restriction fragment (SDRF, Wu et al. 1992) markers assigned to 19 linkage groups covering 461.6 cM. The EB linkage map has 95 SDRF markers assigned to 16 linkage groups covering 279.2 cM. Fifty three markers mapped in both parents were used as bridges between both maps and 13 sets of homologous linkage groups were identified. Homoeologous relationships among the sour cherry linkage groups could not be determined because only 15 probes identified duplicate loci. Fifty nine of the markers on the linkage maps were detected with probes used in other Prunus genetic linkage maps. Four of the sour cherry linkage groups may be homologous with four of the eight genetic linkage groups identified in peach and almond. Twenty one fragments expected to segregate in a 1 : 1 ratio segregated in a 2 : 1 ratio. Three of these fragments were used in the final map construction because they all mapped to the same linkage group. Six fragments exhibited segregation consistent with the expectations of intergenomic pairing and/or recombination. Received: 1 April 1998 / Accepted: 9 June 1998     

茄子分子遗传图谱的构建及果实性状的QTL定位

以茄子(Solanum melongena)材料09-101-M和10TL-102-F4-1的重组自交系(RIL)为作图群体,构建总长度为991.7c M、共包含16个连锁群157个位点、平均图距为6.32 c M的遗传图谱。应用复合区间作图法(CIM),共检测到18个与茄子果实性状相关的QTLs,其中10个为主效QTLs,8个QTLs在两年两点的实验中能够被重复检测到。在所有QTLs中,控制果重的QTL fw1.1的效应值最大,为23.8%–31.6%,被定位在LG01(E09)上E25M34–E33M57b区域内;果长、果径与果重显著相关,且控制果长、果径与果重的QTL位于同一连锁群的相同区域。     

Identification of bloom date QTLs and haplotype analysis in tetraploid sour cherry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus cerasus</Emphasis>)

Bloom date is an important production trait in sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) as the risk of crop loss to floral freeze injury increases with early bloom time. Knowledge of the major loci controlling bloom date would enable breeders to design crosses and select seedlings with late bloom date. As sour cherry is a segmental allotetraploid, quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for bloom date was performed based on haplotype reconstruction by identifying the parental origins of marker alleles in sour cherry. A total of 338 sour cherry individuals from five F₁ populations were genotyped using the cherry 6K Illumina Infinium® SNP array and phenotyped for bloom date in 3 years. A total of four QTLs were identified on linkage group (G)1, G2, G4, and G5, respectively. For these QTLs, 14 haplotypes constructed for the QTL regions were significantly associated with bloom date, accounting for 10.1–27.9% of the bloom date variation within individual populations. The three most significant haplotypes, which were identified for the G4 (G4-k), G2 (G2-j), and G1 (G1-c) QTLs, were associated with 2.8, 1.8, and 1.0 days bloom delay, respectively. These three haplotypes were also demonstrated to have additive effects on delaying bloom date for both individual and multiple QTLs. These results demonstrate that bloom date is under polygenic control in sour cherry; yet, pyramiding late blooming haplotypes for single and multiple QTLs would be an effective strategy to obtain later blooming offspring.     

Fruit size QTL analysis of an F<Subscript>1</Subscript> population derived from a cross between a domesticated sweet cherry cultivar and a wild forest sweet cherry

Maximizing fruit size is critical for profitable sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) production. Yet, despite its importance, little is known about the genetic control of fruit size. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fruit size and two essential components of fruit size, mesocarp cell number and size. This study utilized a double pseudo-testcross population derived from reciprocal crosses between a sweet cherry cultivar with ~8 g fruit, “Emperor Francis” (EF), and a wild forest sweet cherry selection with ~2 g fruit, “New York 54” (NY). A total of 190 F₁ progeny previously utilized for the construction of the linkage maps were evaluated in 2006 and 2007 for fruit weight, length, and diameter; mesocarp cell number and length; and pit length and diameter. In 2008, a subset of this population was again evaluated for fruit weight. Correlation analysis revealed that the three fruit size traits were highly correlated with each other, and mesocarp cell number, not cell length, was correlated with fruit size. Three QTLs were identified for each fruit size trait, and one QTL was identified for mesocarp cell number. Fruit size QTLs were found on linkage group 2 on the EF map (EF 2) and linkage groups 2 and 6 on the NY map (NY 2 and NY 6). On EF 2, the cell number QTL clustered with the fruit size QTL, suggesting that the underlying basis of the fruit size increase associated with this QTL was an increase in mesocarp cell number. On NY 6, pit length and diameter QTLs clustered with those for fruit size, suggesting that the underlying morphological basis of this fruit size QTL is the difference in pit size.     

Quantitative trait loci for yield components in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

The development of an oil palm RFLP marker map has enabled marker-based QTL mapping studies to be undertaken. Information from 153 RFLP markers was used in combination with phenotypic data from an F₂ population to estimate the position and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for traits including yield of fruit and its components and measures of vegetative growth. The mapping population consisted of 84 palms segregating for the major gene influencing shell thickness. Marker data were analysed to produce a linkage map consisting of 22 linkage groups. The QTL mapping analysis was carried out by interval mapping and single-marker analysis for the unlinked markers; significance thresholds were generated by permutation. Using both single-marker and interval-mapping analysis significant marker associated QTL effects were found for 11 of the 13 traits analysed. The results of interval-mapping analysis of fruit weight, petiole cross section and rachis length, and ratios of shell:fruit, mesocarp:fruit and kernel:fruit indicated significant (P<0.05) QTLs at the genome-wide threshold. The putative QTLs were associated with between 8.2% and 44.0% of the phenotypic variation, with an average of 27% for the single-marker analysis and 19% for the interval-mapping analysis. The higher percentage of phenotypic variation explained in the single-marker analysis, when compared to the interval-mapping analysis, is likely to be due to the lower stringency associated with the single-marker analysis. Large dominance deviations were associated with a sizeable proportion of the putative QTLs. The ultimate objective of mapping QTLs in commercial populations is to utilise novel breeding strategies such as marker-assisted selection (MAS). The potential impact of MAS in oil palm breeding programmes is discussed. Received: 26 June 2000 / Accepted: 24 October 2000     

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) linkage map,and quantitative trait locus analysis for sex ratio and related traits

Sex ratio and shell-thickness type are among the main components determining yield in oil palm. An integrated linkage map of oil palm was constructed based on 208 offspring derived from a cross between two tenera palms differing in inherited sex ratio. The map consisted of 210 genomic simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 28 expressed sequence tag SSRs, 185 amplified fragment length polymorphism markers, and the Sh locus, which controls shell-thickness phenotype, distributed across 16 linkage groups covering 1,931 cM, with an average marker distance of 4.6 cM. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified eight QTLs across six linkage groups associated with sex ratio and related traits. These QTLs explained 8.1–13.1 % of the total phenotypic variance. The QTL for sex ratio on linkage group 8 overlapped with a QTL for number of male inflorescences. In most cases a specific QTL allele combination was responsible for genotype class mean differences, suggesting that most QTLs in heterozygous oil palm are likely to be segregating for multiple alleles with different degrees of dominance. In addition, two new SSRs were shown to flank the major Sh locus controlling the fruit variety type in oil palm.     

Constructing a genetic linkage map and mapping quantitative trait loci for skeletal traits in Japanese flounder

A genetic linkage map of Japanese flounder was constructed using 165 doubled haploids (DHs) derived from a single female. A total of 574 genomic microsatellites (type II SSRs) and expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived markers (EST-SSRs) were mapped to 24 linkage groups. The length of linkage map was estimated as 1270.9 centiMorgans (cM), with an average distance between markers of 2.2 cM. The EST-SSRs were used together with type II SSR markers to construct the Japanese flounder genetic linkage map which will facilitate identify quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling important economic traits in Japanese flounder. Thus, twelve skeletal traits at 2 years of age were measured for all DHs. Forty-one QTLs were detected on 14 linkage groups and totally account for a small proportion of phenotypic variation (4.5 to 17.3%). Most of QTLs detected distribute on linkage groups 5 (9 QTLs), 8 (9 QTLs), 9 (5 QTLs) and 20 (4 QTLs), in which, some QTLs perform the pleiotropy.     

An AFLP and RFLP linkage map and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of growth traits in Salix

A genetic linkage map of Salix (2n = 38), composed of 325 AFLP and 38 RFLP markers has been constructed. The map was based on a population ( n = 87) derived from a cross between the male hybrid clone "Bj?rn" ( Salix viminalis x Salix schwerinii) and the female clone "78183" ( S. viminalis). Three hundred fifty seven AFLPs corresponding to DNA polymorphisms heterozygous in one parent and null in the other were scored. A total of 87 RFLP probes, most (83) derived from the Populus genome, yielded 39 and 11 polymorphic loci segregating in a 1:1 and 1:2:1 ratio respectively. Two maps, one for each parent, were constructed according to the "two-way pseudo-testcross" mapping strategy. The S. viminalis x S. schwerinii map (2,404 cM) included 217 markers and formed 26 major linkage groups while S. viminalis (1,844 cM) consisted of 146 markers placed on 18 major groups. In addition, eight and 14 additional minor linkage groups composed of less than four markers (doubles and triplets) were obtained in the S. viminalis x S. schwerinii and the S. viminalis maps, respectively. Both maps provided 70-80% genome coverage with an average density of markers of 14 cM. To investigate possible homologies between the parental maps, 20 AFLPs and 11 RFLPs segregating in 3:1 or 1:2:1 ratios were included in the linkage analysis. Eight linkage groups homologous between the two maps were detected. The present genetic map was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting growth-related traits. Eleven QTLs were identified; seven QTLs for height growth, one QTL for stem diameter, one QTL for the height: diameter ratio, one QTL for the number of vegetative buds during flowering time and one QTL for the number of shoots. The estimated magnitude of the QTL effect ranged from 14 to 22% of the total phenotypic variance. One QTL associated with height growth and one affecting the height: diameter ratio were overlapping in the same marker interval with the QTL affecting stem diameter. QTL stability over years was estimated for traits measured in multiple years. Generally, QTLs were only significant in a single year although two QTLs for height growth were close to reaching the significance level in 2 consecutive years.     

Genetic linkage map of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] using morphological and molecular markers

A genetic linkage map of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] was constructed in order to identify molecular markers linked to economically important agronomic traits that would be particularly useful for long-lived perennial species. An intraspecific F₂ population was generated from self-pollinating a single F₁ plant from a cross between a flat non-acid peach, ‘Ferjalou Jalousia^®’ and an acid round nectarine ‘Fantasia’. Mendelian segregations were observed for 270 markers including four agronomic characters (peach/nectarine, flat/round fruit, acid/non-acid fruit, and pollen sterility) and 1 isoenzyme, 50 RFLP, 92 RAPD, 8 inter-microsatellite amplification (IMA), and 115 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Two hundred and forty-nine markers were mapped to 11 linkage groups covering 712 centiMorgans (cM). The average density between pairs of markers is 4.5?cM. For the four agronomic characters studied, molecular markers were identified. This map will be used for the detection of QTL controlling fruit quality in peach and, particularly, the acid and sugar content.     

Construction of the First High-Density Genetic Linkage Map and Analysis of Quantitative Trait Loci for Growth-Related Traits in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sinonovacula constricta</Emphasis>

The razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta) is an important aquaculture species, for which a high-density genetic linkage map would play an important role in marker-assisted selection (MAS). In this study, we constructed a high-density genetic map and detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Sinonovacula constricta with an F₁ cross population by using the specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method. A total of 315,553 SLAF markers out of 467.71 Mreads were developed. The final linkage map was composed of 7516 SLAFs (156.60-fold in the parents and 20.80-fold in each F₁ population on average). The total distance of the linkage map was 2383.85 cM, covering 19 linkage groups with an average inter-marker distance of 0.32 cM. The proportion of gaps less than 5.0 cM was on average 96.90%. A total of 16 suggestive QTLs for five growth-related traits (five QTLs for shell height, six QTLs for shell length, three QTLs for shell width, one QTL for total body weight, and one QTL for soft body weight) were identified. These QTLs were distributed on five linkage groups, and the regions showed overlapping on LG9 and LG13. In conclusion, the high-density genetic map and QTLs for S. constricta provide a valuable genetic resource and a basis for MAS.     

Integration genetic linkage map construction and several potential QTLs mapping of Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) based on three types of molecular markers

In this study, totally 54 selected polymorphic SSR loci of Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis), in addition with the previous linkage map of AFLP and RAPD markers, were used in consolidated linkage maps that composed of SSR, AFLP and RAPD markers of female and male construction, respectively. The female linkage map contained 236 segregating markers, which were linked in 44 linkage groups, and the genome coverage was 63.98%. The male linkage map contained 255 segregating markers, which were linked in 50 linkage groups, covering 63.40% of F. chinensis genome. There were nine economically important traits and phenotype characters of F. chinensis were involved in QTL mapping using multiple-QTL mapping strategy. Five potential QTLs associated with standard length (q-standardl-01), with cephalothorax length (q-cephal-01), with cephaloghorax width (q-cephaw-01), with the first segment length (q-firsel-01) and with anti-WSSV (q-antiWSSV-01) were detected on female LG1 and male LG44 respectively with LOD> 2.5. The QTL q-firsel-01 was at 73.603 cM of female LG1. Q-antiWSSV-01 was at 0 cM of male LG44. The variance explained of these five QTLs was from 19.7-33.5% and additive value was from -15.9175 to 7.3675. The closest markers to these QTL were all SSR, which suggested SSR marker was superior to AFLP and RAPD in the QTL mapping.     

Identification of QTLs for eight agronomically important traits using an ultra-high-density map based on SNPs generated from high-throughput sequencing in sorghum under contrasting photoperiods

The productivity of sorghum is mainly determined by agronomically important traits. The genetic bases of these traits have historically been dissected and analysed through quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping based on linkage maps with low-throughput molecular markers, which is one of the factors that hinder precise and complete information about the numbers and locations of the genes or QTLs controlling the traits. In this study, an ultra-high-density linkage map based on high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated from low-coverage sequences (~0.07 genome sequence) in a sorghum recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was constructed through new sequencing technology. This map consisted of 3418 bin markers and spanned 1591.4 cM of genome size with an average distance of 0.5 cM between adjacent bins. QTL analysis was performed and a total of 57 major QTLs were detected for eight agronomically important traits under two contrasting photoperiods. The phenotypic variation explained by individual QTLs varied from 3.40% to 33.82%. The high accuracy and quality of this map was evidenced by the finding that genes underlying two cloned QTLs, Dw3 for plant height (chromosome 7) and Ma1 for flowering time (chromosome 6), were localized to the correct genomic regions. The close associations between two genomic regions on chromosomes 6 and 7 with multiple traits suggested the existence of pleiotropy or tight linkage. Several major QTLs for heading date, plant height, numbers of nodes, stem diameter, panicle neck length, and flag leaf width were detected consistently under both photoperiods, providing useful information for understanding the genetic mechanisms of the agronomically important traits responsible for the change of photoperiod.     

四倍体栽培棉种产量和纤维品质性状的QTL定位

陆地棉和海岛棉是两个不同的四倍体栽培种 ,但在生产上各有其特点 ,陆地棉丰产性强 ,海岛棉纤维品质优良 ,利用其种间杂交群体定位产量和品质性状的QTL ,对于分子标记辅助的海岛棉优质纤维向陆地棉转移很有意义。以SSR和RAPD为分子标记 ,陆地棉与海岛棉杂种 (邯郸 2 0 8×Pima90 )F2 群体为作图群体 ,构建了一张含 12 6个标记的遗传图谱 ,包括 6 8个SSR标记和 5 8个RAPD标记 ,可分为 2 9个连锁群 ,标记间平均距离为 13 7cM ,总长1717 0cM ,覆盖棉花总基因组约 34 34% ;以遗传图 12 6个标记为基础 ,对F2 :3 家系符合正态分布的 10个农艺性状及纤维品质性状进行全基因组QTL扫描 ,结果发现 2 9个QTL分别与产量和品质性状有关。其中与衣指、籽指、皮棉产量、子棉产量、衣分等产量性状相关的QTL分别有 1、3、5、6和 1个 ,与纤维长度、整齐度、强度、伸长率和马克隆值等品质性状相关的QTL分别有 2、4、2、4和 1个。各QTL解释的变异量在 12 4 2 %～ 47 0 1%之间。其中比强度有关的 2个QTL能够解释的表型变异率分别为 34 15 %和 13 86 %。     

甘蓝分子连锁图的构建与品质性状的QTL定位

以两个不同生态型甘蓝(Brassica oleracea var．capitata)品种杂交得到的F2代为作图群体,用RAPD标记构建甘蓝分子连锁图。通过对520个随机引物进行筛选,236个引物在两亲本间表现多态性,多态性比例为47．7％。选取111个引物对群体进行分析,构建了一张含有135个标记位点,9个连锁群,覆盖长度为1023．7cM的分子连锁图。利用该图谱对甘蓝叶球紧实度和中心柱长两性状进行了QTL定位分析。检测到3个与叶球紧实度相关的QTL,总贡献率为62．5％;检测到4个与中心柱长相关的QTL,总贡献率为59．1％。     

Construction of a linkage map and QTL analysis of horticultural traits for watermelon [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrullus lanatus</Emphasis> (THUNB.) MATSUM &; NAKAI] using RAPD,RFLP and ISSR markers

We have been constructing linkage maps for watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) on the basis of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and isozymes using an F(2) population derived from a crossing between a cultivated inbred line (H-7; C. lanatus) and an African wild form (SA-1; C. lanatus). A total of 120 F(2) plants was used for construction of a linkage map using 477 RAPDs, 53 RFLPs, 23 ISSRs and one isozyme markers. Linkage analysis revealed that 554 loci could be mapped to 11 linkage groups that extended for 2,384 centimorgans (cM). While a BC(1) population [(H-7 x SA-1) x H-7] consisting of 60 individuals was grown and scored for quantitative traits. Another linkage map with a total length of 1,729 cM was constructed in the BC(1) using genetic markers found to segregate in the F(2) population. A QTL analysis was applied by means of interval mapping for locating such agronomic traits as hardness of rind, Brix of flesh juice, flesh color (red and yellow) and rind color. The relative order of markers in the BC(1) map was essentially the same as that on the linkage map in the F(2). A total of five QTLs for four agronomic traits was detected. The QTL for hardness of rind was mapped on group 4. The linkage group 8 contained the QTL for sugar content of the flesh as expressed in Brix of the juice. The QTL for red flesh color was detected on groups 2 and 8. The QTL for rind color mapped on the group 3. The present map and QTL analysis may provide a useful tool for breeders by introducing valuable wild watermelon genes to cultivars.     

Mapping QTLs for morpho-agronomic traits in proso millet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Panicum miliaceum</Emphasis> L.)

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is the cereal crop with the low water requirement and increasingly being used for human consumption. It is the most common rotational crop within wheat-based dryland production systems in the semiarid High Plains of the USA. However, there is no published genetic map for this species, which prevents the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL). The objectives of the present study were (1) construction of a genetic linkage map and (2) identification of DNA markers linked to QTLs for morpho-agronomic traits. A total of 93 recombinant inbred lines derived from a single F₁ (“Huntsman” × “Minsum”) were genotyped with GBS-SNP markers and phenotyped for nine morpho-agronomic traits in the field during 2013 and 2014 at Scottsbluff and Sidney, NE. IciMapping v.4.0.6.0 was used for constructing a genetic linkage map and mapping QTL. The RILs exhibited significant variation for a wide range of traits, and several traits showed evidence of genotype × environment interactions. A total of 833 GBS-SNP markers formed 18 major and 84 minor linkage groups, whereas 519 markers remained ungrouped. A total of 117 GBS-SNP markers were distributed on the 18 major linkage groups spanning a genome length of 2137 cM of proso millet with an average distance of 18 cM between markers. The length and number of markers in each of the 18 major linkage groups ranged from 54.6 to 236 cM and 4 to 12, respectively. A total of 18 QTLs for eight morpho-agronomic traits were detected on 14 linkage groups, each of which explained 13.2–34.7 % phenotypic variance. DNA markers flanking the QTLs were identified, which will aid in marker-assisted selection of these traits. To our knowledge, this is the first genetic linkage map and QTL mapping in proso millet, which will support further genetic analysis and genomics-assisted genetic improvement of this crop.     

Mapping of yield-related QTLs in pepper in an interspecific cross of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum annuum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. frutescens</Emphasis>

An advanced backcross QTL study was performed in pepper using a cross between the cultivated species Capsicum annuum cv. Maor and the wild C. frutescens BG 2816 accession. A genetic map from this cross was constructed, based on 248 BC(2) plants and 92 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers distributed throughout the genome. Ten yield-related traits were analyzed in the BC(2) and BC(2)S(1) generations, and a total of 58 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected; the number of QTLs per trait ranged from two to ten. Most of the QTLs were found in 11 clusters, in which similar QTL positions were identified for multiple traits. Unlike the high percentage of favorable QTL alleles discovered in wild species of tomato and rice, only a few such QTL alleles were detected in BG 2816. For six QTLs (10%), alleles with effects opposite to those expected from the phenotype were detected in the wild species. The use of common RFLP markers in the pepper and tomato maps enabled possible orthologous QTLs in the two species to be determined. The degree of putative QTL orthology for the two main fruit morphology traits-weight and shape-varied considerably. While all eight QTLs identified for fruit weight in this study could be orthologous to tomato fruit weight QTLs, only one out of six fruit shape QTLs found in this study could be orthologous to tomato fruit shape QTLs.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of loci associated with disease resistance genes and developmental traits in Pisum sativum L.

An F₂ population of pea (Pisum sativum L.) consisting of 174 plants was analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) techniques. Ascochyta pisi race C resistance, plant height, flowering earliness and number of nodes were measured in order to map the genes responsible for their variation. We have constructed a partial linkage map including 3 morphological character genes, 4 disease resistance genes, 56 RFLP loci, 4 microsatellite loci and 2 RAPD loci. Molecular markers linked to each resistance gene were found: Fusarium wilt (6 cM from Fw), powdery mildew (11 cM from er) and pea common Mosaic virus (15 cM from mo). QTLs (quantitative traits loci) for Ascochyta pisi race C resistance were mapped, with most of the variation explained by only three chromosomal regions. The QTL with the largest effect, on chromosome 4, was also mapped using a qualitative, Mendelian approach. Another QTL displayed a transgressive segregation, i.e. the parental line that was susceptible to Ascochyta blight had a resistance allele at this QTL. Analysis of correlations between developmental traits in terms of QTL effects and positions suggested a common genetic control of the number of nodes and earliness, and a loose relationship between these traits and height.     

An intervarietal genetic linkage map of Indian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and QTL maps for some metric traits

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) exhibits very narrow genetic diversity and hence there is high relatedness among cultivated varieties. However, a population generated from an intervarietal cross, with the parents differing in a large number of traits, could lead to the generation of QTL maps which will be useful in practice. In this report a genetic linkage map of wheat is constructed using a cross between two Indian bread wheat varieties: Sonalika and Kalyansona. The linkage map consisted of 236 markers and spanned a distance of 3639 cM, with 1211.2 cM for the A genome, 1669.2 cM for the B genome, 192.4 cM for the D genome and 566.2 cM for unassigned groups. Linkage analysis defined 37 linkage groups of which 24 were assigned to 17 chromosomes. The genetic map was used to identify QTLs by composite internal mapping (CIM) for three metric traits, viz. culm length (CL), flag leaf length (FLL) and flag leaf breadth (FLB). Of 25 QTLs identified in this study, 15 have not been reported previously. Multitrait CIM (MCIM) analysis was carried out for traits that were significantly correlated such as FLB-FLL and CL-FLB-FLL. Detection of a large number of QTLs for the three traits analysed suggests that in parent cultivars that are not too diverse, the differences at genetic level detected as polymorphisms may be mostly associated with QTLs for the observed differences.     

High density SNP mapping and QTL analysis for fruit quality characteristics in peach (Prunus persica L.)

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to construct an integrated SNP linkage map of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch). A set of 1,536 SNPs were evaluated with the GoldenGate® Genotyping assay in two mapping populations, Pop-DF, and Pop-DG. After genotyping and filtering, a final set of 1,400 high quality SNPs in Pop-DF and 962 in Pop-DG with full map coverage were selected and used to construct two linkage maps with JoinMap®4.0. The Pop-DF map covered 422 cM of the peach genome and included 1,037 SNP markers, and Pop-DG map covered 369 cM and included 738 SNPs. A consensus map was constructed with 588 SNP markers placed in eight linkage groups (n?=?8 for peach), with map coverage of 454 cM and an average distance of 0.81 cM/marker site. Placements of SNPs on the “peach v1.0” physical map were compared to placement on the linkage maps and several differences were observed. Using the SNP linkage map of Pop-DG and phenotypic data collected for three harvest seasons, a QTL analysis for fruit quality traits and chilling injury symptoms was carried out with the mapped SNPs. Significant QTL effects were detected for mealiness (M) and flesh bleeding (FBL) QTLs on linkage group 4 and flesh browning (FBr) on linkage group 5. This study represents one of the first examples of QTL detection for quality traits and chilling injury symptoms using a high-density SNP map in a single peach F1 family.