Molecular studies on mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) and ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)) interspecific hybridisation for Mungbean yellow mosaic virus resistance and development of species-specific SCAR marker for ricebean

The aim of this study was to identify the molecular markers (SSR, RAPD and SCAR) associated with Mungbean yellow mosaic virus resistance in an interspecific cross between a mungbean variety, VRM (Gg) 1 X a ricebean variety, TNAU RED. The parental survey was carried out by using 118 markers (including 106 azuki bean primers, seven mungbean primers and five ricebean primers). This study revealed that 42 azuki bean markers (39.62%) and four mungbean markers (54.07%) showed parental polymorphism. These polymorphic markers were surveyed among the 187 F₂ plants and the results showed distorted segregation or chromosomal elimination at all the marker loci (thus, deviating from the expected 1:2:1 segregation). None of the plants harboured the homozygous ricebean allele for the markers surveyed and all of them were skewed towards mungbean, VRM (Gg) 1, allele, except a few plants which were found to be heterozygous for few markers. Among the 42 azuki bean SSR markers surveyed, only 10 markers produced heterozygotic pattern in six F₂ lines viz. 3, 121, 122, 123, 185 and 186. These markers were surveyed in the corresponding F₃ individuals, which too skewed towards the mungbean allele. In this study, one species-specific SCAR marker was developed for ricebean by designing primers from the sequenced putatively species-specific RAPD bands. A single, distinct and brightly resolved band of 400?bp was found amplified only in the resistant parent, TNAU RED, and not in any other six species or in the resistant or the susceptible bulks of the mapping population clearly indicated the identification of SCAR marker specific to the ricebean.     

Utility of RAPD markers in identifying genetic linkages to genes of economic interest in peach

The identification of molecular markers linked to economically important traits for use in crop improvement is very important in long-lived perennial species. Three-hundred-and-sixty RAPD primers were used with bulked segregant analysis to identify markers linked to loci of specific interest in peach [(Prunus persica) L. Batch] and peach x almond [(Prunus dulcis) Batch] crosses. The traits analyzed included flesh color, adhesion, and texture; pollen fertility; plant stature; and three isozyme loci. The Mendelian behavior of the RAPD loci was established, and RAPD markers were mapped relative to the loci controlling flesh color, adhesion, and texture, and the isozyme loci Mdh-1, 6Pgd-2 and Aat-1, as well as the existing RFLP genetic linkage map constructed previously using a peach x almond F₂ population. This technique has facilitated rapid identification of RAPD and RFLP markers that are linked to the traits under study. Loci controlling these traits mapped predominantly to linkage groups 2 and 3 of the peach genetic linkage map. Linkages to genes with both dominant and co-dominant alleles were identified, but linkages to dominant genes were more difficult to find. In several crosses, RAPD marker bands proved to be allelic. One co-dominant RAPD formed a heteroduplex band in heterozygous individuals and in mixtures of alternate homozygotes. The Mendelian behavior of the RAPD loci studied was established and the results suggest that RAPD markers will be useful for plant improvement in peach.     

Segregation of random amplified DNA markers in F1 progeny of conifers

Summary The recently developed approach to deriving genetic markers via amplification of random DNA segments with single primers of arbitrary nucleotide sequence was tested for its utility in genetic linkage mapping studies with conifers. Reaction conditions were optimized to reproducibly yield clean and specific amplification products. Template DNA from several genotypes of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and white spruce (Picea glauca) were tested against eight ten-base oligonucleotide primers. Most of the tested primer/parent tree combinations yielded polymorphic PCR products (RAPD markers). Selected primers were then used in PCR reactions with template DNA isolated from offspring in Douglas-fir and black spruce diallel crosses among the same parental lines. The diallel study confirmed the appropriate inheritance of RAPD markers in the F₁ generation. The value of these dominant RAPD markers for genetic linkage mapping in trees was established from both theoretical and applied perspectives.     

Identification of Molecular Marker for Septumless Bold Pod in Brassica campestris

Two cultivars of yellow sarson (Brassica campestris), B9 and NC1 have sharp phenotypic differences: a) pubescent or glabrous leaves, b) septumed pod with less number or septumless bold pod with higher number of seeds, and c) erect or drooping pods relative to stem axis. It is established that septum less pod is related to enhancement of seed yield and also related to high shattering resistance. The character septumed pod and pubescent leaf are controlled by single genes with complete dominance and are situated on the same linkage group, as evidenced by the study of F₁, F₂, F₃ and back cross population. To identify some DNA markers associated with septumless pod, firstly, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) between the parents were searched using 30 nonrepetitive clones picked from 89 partial genomic library as probes, secondly, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was done by using 45 random decamer primers. RFLP analysis produced 182 discrete monomorphic bands i.e., they are unable to differentiate the two parents. In RAPD analysis, six primers produced 15 polymorphic fragments out of total 430 bands amplified by 45 primers. Among them A8-350, A10-250, A10-560 RAPD bands are expected to be linked with septumless bold pod and A3-720 with pub locus as evidenced from the bulked segregant analysis (8SA). These RAPD marker fragments of DNA were subsequently used as RFLP probes. A8-350 used as a probe revealed polymorphic bands in Eco RI digested parental DNA and also showed linkage both with septumless and glabrous loci in BSA. Approximate likelihood estimator of genetic distance between septumless locus and the marker is 1.67 cM as calculated through pooled sample mapping.     

Patterns of inheritance with RAPD molecular markers reveal novel types of polymorphism in the honey bee

Summary The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to generate random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) from honey bee DNA samples in order to follow the patterns of inheritance of RAPD markers in a haplodiploid insect. The genomic DNA samples from two parental bees, a haploid drone and a diploid queen, were screened for polymorphism with 68 different tennucleotide primers of random sequence. Parents were scored for the presence or absence of individual bands. An average of 6.3 bands and 1.3 polymorphisms for presence/absence were observed per primer between the parents. Thirteen of these primers were used to determine the inheritance of RAPD marker alleles in the resulting progeny and in haploid drones from a daughter queen. Four types of polymorphisms were observed. Polymorphisms for band presence/absence as well as for band brightness were inherited as dominant markers, meeting Mendelian expectations in haploid and diploid progeny. Polymorphisms for fragment-length were also observed. These segregated in a near 11 ratio in drone progeny. The last type of polymorphism was manifested as a diploid-specific band. Mixing of amplification products after PCR showed that the diploid-specific band was the result of heteroduplex formation from the DNA of alternate alleles in heterozygotes. In two of the four cases of heteroduplex formation, the alternative alleles were manifested as small fragment-length polymorphisms, resulting in co-dominant markers. This is the first demonstration that a proportion of RAPD markers are not inherited in a dominant fashion.     

Competition as a source of errors in RAPD analysis

We have used artificial 11 DNA mixtures of all pairwise combinations of four doubled haploid Brassica napus lines to test the ability of RAPDs to function as reliable dominant genetic markers. In situations where a specific RAPD band is present in one homozygous line but absent in the other, the band is expected in the artificial heterozygote, i.e. in the 11 DNA mixture. In 84 of all 613 heterozygous situations analysed, the expected band failed to amplify in the RAPD reaction. Thus, RAPD markers will lead to an erroneous genetic interpretation in 14% of all cases. In contrast, the formation of non-parental heteroduplex bands was found at a frequency of only 0.2%. Analysis of 1 1 mixtures using (1) a different set of optimized reaction conditions and (2) a material with low genomic complexity (Bacillus cereus) gave identical results. Serial dilutions of one genome into another, in steps of 10%, showed that all of the polymorphic bands decreased in intensity as a linear function of their respective proportion in the mixture. In dilutions with water no differences in band intensity were detected. Thus, competition occurs in the amplification of all RAPD fragments and is a major source of genotyping errors in RAPD analysis.     

Mapping of a QTL for oleic acid concentration in spring turnip rape (Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera)

Bulk segregant analysis was used to search for RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers linked to gene(s) affecting oleic acid concentration in an F₂ population from the Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera cross Jo4002 x a high oleic acid individual from line Jo4072. Eight primers (=8 markers) out of 104 discriminated the high and low bulks consisting of extreme individuals from the oleic acid distribution. These markers were analysed throughout the entire F₂ population, and their association with oleic acid was studied using both interval mapping and ANOVA analysis. Six of the markers mapped to one linkage group. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting oleic acid concentration was found to reside within this linkage group with a LOD score >15. The most suitable marker for oleic acid content is OPH-17, a codominant marker close (<4cM) to the QTL. The mean seed oleic acid content in the F₂ individuals carrying the larger allele of this marker was 80.14±9.76%; in individuals with the smaller allele, 54.53±6.83%; in the heterozygotes, 65.47±8.15%. To increase reproducibility, the RAPD marker was converted into a SCAR (sequence characterized amplied region) marker with specific primers. Marker OPH-17 can be used to select spring turnip rape individuals with the desired oleic acid content.     

Genetic linkage map of ISSR and RAPD markers in Einkorn wheat in relation to that of RFLP markers

 The potential of PCR-based markers for construction of a genetic linkage map in Einkorn wheat was investigated. From a comparison of polymorphisms between two Einkorn wheats, Triticum monococcum (Mn) and T. boeoticum (Bt), we obtained 49 polymorphic bands produced by 33 primers for inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and 36 polymorphic bands shown by 25 combinations of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers for mapping in 66 individuals in the F₂ population. Although 44 ISSR fragments and 29 RAPD fragments statistically showed a 3 : 1 segregation ratio in the F₂ population, only 9 markers each of the ISSR and RAPD bands were able to be mapped on the RFLP linkage map of Einkorn wheat. ISSR markers were distributed throughout the chromosomes. The mapped positions of the ISSR markers seemed to be similar to those obtained by the RFLP markers. On the other hand, 4 of the 9 RAPD markers could map the RFLP marker-poor region on the short arm of 3A^m, suggesting a potential to map novel regions containing repetitive sequences. Comparisons of the genetic linkage map of Einkorn wheat to the linkage map and cytological map of common wheat revealed that the marker orders between the two maps of Einkorn wheat and common wheat coincided except for 4A, which harbors chromosome rearrangements specific for polyploid wheats, indicating a conservatism between the two genomes. Recombinations in Einkorn wheat chromosomes took place more frequently around the centromere and less at the distal part of chromosomes in comparison to those in common wheat. Nevertheless, recombinations even in Einkorn wheat chromosomes were strongly suppressed around the centromere. In fact, the markers located within 1 cM of the centromere were located almost in the central part of the chromosome arm. Received: 7 June 1997 / Accepted: 17 June 1997     

RAPD-based SCAR marker SCA 12 linked to recessive gene conferring resistance to anthracnose in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum graminicola, infects all aerial parts of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, plants and causes loss of as much as 70%. F₁ and F₂ plants inoculated with local isolates of C. graminicola indicated that resistance to anthracnose in sorghum accession G 73 segregated as a recessive trait in a cross with susceptible cultivar HC 136. To facilitate the use of marker-assisted selection in sorghum breeding programs, a PCR-based specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker was developed. A total of 29 resistant and 20 susceptible recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a HC 136 × G 73 cross was used for bulked segregant analysis to identify a RAPD marker closely linked to a gene for resistance to anthracnose. The polymorphism between the parents HC 136 and G 73 was evaluated using 84 random sequence decamer primers. Among these, only 24 primers generated polymorphism. On bulked segregant analysis, primer OPA 12 amplified a unique band of 383 bp only in the resistant parent G 73 and resistant bulk. Segregation analysis of individual RILs showed the marker OPA 12₃₈₃ was 6.03 cM from the locus governing resistance to anthracnose. The marker OPA 12₃₈₃ was cloned and sequenced. Based on the sequence of cloned RAPD product, a pair of SCAR markers SCA 12-1 and SCA 12-2 was designed using the MacVector program, which specifically amplified this RAPD fragment in resistant parent G 73, resistant bulk and respective RILs. Therefore, it was confirmed that SCAR marker SCA 12 is at the same locus as RAPD marker OPA 12₃₈₃ and hence, is linked to the gene for resistance to anthracnose.     

Bi‐parentally inherited species‐specific markers identify hybridization between rainbow trout and cutthroat trout subspecies

Eight polymerase chain reaction primer sets amplifying bi‐parentally inherited species‐specific markers were developed that differentiate between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and various cutthroat trout (O. clarki) subspecies. The primers were tested within known F₁ and first generation hybrid backcrosses and were shown to amplify codominantly within hybrids. Heterozygous individuals also amplified a slower migrating band that was a heteroduplex, caused by the annealing of polymerase chain reaction products from both species. These primer sets have numerous advantages for native cutthroat trout conservation including statistical genetic analyses of known crosses and simple hybrid identification.     

A genetic linkage map of tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] based on amplified fragment length polymorphism

A genetic linkage map of tef was constructed with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers using F₅ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived by single seed descent from the intraspecific cross of ’Kaye Murri’×’Fesho’. A total of 192 EcoRI/MseI primer combinations were screened for parental polymorphism. Around three polymorphic fragments per primer combination were detected, indicating a low polymorphism level in tef. Fifty primer combinations were selected to assay the mapping population, and 226 loci segregated among 85 F₅ RILs. Most AFLP loci behaved as dominant markers (presence or absence of a band), but about 15% of the loci were codominant. Significant deviations from the expected Mendelian segregation ratio were observed for 26 loci. The genetic linkage map comprised 211 markers assembled into 25 linkage groups and covered 2,149 cM of genome. AFLP is an efficient marker system for mapping plant species with low polymorphism such as tef. This is the first genetic linkage map constructed for tef. It will facilitate the mapping of genes controlling agronomically important traits and cultivar improvement in tef. Received: 27 April 1998 / Accepted: 4 January 1999     

A PCR-based marker tightly linked to the nematode resistance gene,Mi, in tomato

A PCR-based codominant marker has been developed which is tightly linked to Mi, a dominant genetic locus in tomato that confers resistance to several species of root-knot nematode. DNA from tomato lines differing in nematode resistance was screened for random amplified polymorphic DNA markers linked to Mi using decamer primers. Several markers were identified. One amplified product, REX-1, obtained using a pair of decamer primers, was present as a dominant marker in all nematode-resistant tomato lines tested. REX-1 was cloned and the DNA sequences of its ends were determined and used to develop 20-mer primers. PCR amplification with the 20-mer primers produced a single amplified band in both susceptible and resistant tomato lines. The amplified bands from susceptible and resistant lines were distinguishable after cleavage with the restriction enzyme Taq I. The linkage of REX-1 to Mi was verified in an F₂ population. This marker is more tightly linked to Mi than is Aps-1, the currently-used isozyme marker, and allows screening of germplasm where the linkage between Mi and Aps-1 has been lost. Homozygous and heterozygous individuals can be distinguished and the procedure can be used for rapid, routine screening. The strategy used to obtain REX-1 is applicable to obtaining tightly-linked markers to other genetic loci. Such markers would allow rapid, concurrent screening for the segregation of several loci of interest.     

IRAP,a retrotransposon-based marker system for the detection of somaclonal variation in barley

The retrotransposon-based marker system, inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP), and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) were used to detect somaclonal variation induced by tissue culture. IRAPs use a single primer designed to amplify out from the 5′ LTR sequence of the BARE-1 retrotransposon combined with a degenerate 3′ anchor, similar to that of ISSR primers. We analysed DNA polymorphisms in 147 primary regenerants and parental controls from three cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare). The ISSR marker system generated an average of 218 bands per primer, with 29 polymorphisms of which 12 were novel non-parental bands. In comparison, the IRAP system generated an average of 121 bands per primer, with 15 polymorphisms of which nine were novel non-parental bands. Polymorphism detected for IRAP and ISSR markers was more than twofold higher in Golden Promise than Mackay and Tallon cultivars. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of novel non-parental bands. Cluster analysis revealed that the level of polymorphism and genetic variability detected was comparable between IRAP and ISSR markers. This suggests that retrotransposon-based marker systems, such as IRAP, based on retrotransposons such as BARE-1, are valuable tools for the detailed characterisation of mutation profiles that arise during tissue culture. Their use should improve our understanding of processes influencing mutation and somaclonal variation and allow for the design of methods that yield fewer genome changes in applications where maintaining clonal integrity is important.     

Identification of a STS marker linked to the Aegilops speltoides-derived leaf rust resistance gene Lr28 in wheat

 A sequence-tagged-site (STS) marker is reported linked to Lr28, a leaf rust resistance gene in wheat. RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) analysis of near-isogenic lines (NILs) of Lr28 in eight varietal backgrounds was carried out using random primers. Genomic DNA enriched for low-copy sequences was used for RAPD analysis to overcome the lack of reproducibility due to the highly repetitive DNA sequences present in wheat. Of 80 random primers tested on the enriched DNA, one RAPD marker distinguished the NILs and the donor parent from the susceptible recurrent parents. The additional band present in resistant lines was cloned, sequenced, and STS primers specific for Lr28 were designed. The STS marker (Indian patent pending: 380 Del98) was further confirmed by bulk segregation analysis of F₃ families. It was consistently present in the NILs, the resistant F₃ bulk and the resistant F₃ lines, but was absent in recurrent parents, the susceptible F₃ bulk and the susceptible F₃ lines. Received: 20 February 1998 / Accepted: 4 March 1998     

Identification,cloning and sequence analysis of a dwarf genome-specific RAPD marker in rubber tree [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hevea brasiliensis</Emphasis> (Muell.) Arg.]

High-yielding dwarf clones of Hevea brasiliensis are tolerant to wind damage and therefore useful for high-density planting. The identification of molecular markers for the dwarf character is very important for isolating true-to-type high-yielding dwarf hybrid lines in the early stage of plant breeding programs. We have identified a dwarf genome-specific random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker in rubber tree. A total of 115 random oligonucleotide 10-mer primers were used to amplify genomic DNA by PCR, of which 19 primers produced clear and detectable bands. The primer OPB-12 generated a 1.4-kb DNA marker from both natural and controlled F₁ hybrid progenies (dwarf stature) derived from a cross between a dwarf parent and a normal cultivated clone as well as from the dwarf parent; it was absent in other parent (RRII 118). To validate this DNA marker, we analyzed 22 F₁ hybrids (13 with a dwarf stature and nine with a normal stature); the dwarf genome-specific 1.4-kb RAPD marker was present in all dwarf-stature hybrids and absent in all normal-stature hybrids. This DNA marker was cloned and characterized. DNA marker locus specificity was further confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. Our results indicate that Southern blot hybridization of RAPD using probes made from cloned DNA fragments allows a more accurate analysis of the RAPD pattern based on the presence/absence of specific DNA markers than dye-stained gels or Southern blot analysis of RAPD blots using probes made from purified PCR products. Detection of RAPD markers in the hybrid progenies indicates that RAPD is a powerful tool for identifying inherited genome segments following different hybridization methods in perennial tree crops.     

Development of SRAP, SRAP-RGA, RAPD and SCAR markers linked with a Fusarium wilt resistance gene in eggplant

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. f. sp. melongenae) is a vascular disease of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). The objectives of this work were (1) to confirm the monogenic inheritance of fusarium wilt resistance in eggplant, (2) to identify molecular markers linked to this resistance, and (3) to develop SCAR markers from most informative markers. We report the tagging of the gene for resistance to fusarium wilt (FOM) in eggplant using SRAP, RGA, SRAP-RGA and RAPD markers. Analysis of segregation data confirmed the monogenic inheritance of resistance. DNA from F₂ and BC₁ populations of eggplant segregating for fusarium wilt resistance was screened with 2,316 primer combinations to detect polymorphism. Three markers were linked within 2.6 cM of the gene. The codominant SRAP marker Me8/Em5 and dominant SRAP-RGA marker Em12/GLPL2 were tightly linked to each other and mapped 1.2 cM from the resistance gene, whereas RAPD marker H12 mapped 2.6 cM from the gene and on the same side as the other two markers. The SRAP marker was converted into two dominant SCAR markers that were confirmed to be linked to the resistance gene in the F_2, BC₁ and F₂ of BC₃ generations of the same cross. These markers provide a starting point for mapping the eggplant FOM resistance gene in eggplant and for exploring the synteny between solanaceous crops for fusarium wilt resistance genes. The SCAR markers will be useful for identifying fusarium wilt-resistant genotypes in marker-assisted selection breeding programs using segregating progenies of the resistant eggplant progenitor used in this study.     

Genetic characterization of apospory in tetraploid Paspalum notatum based on the identification of linked molecular markers

Tetraploid Paspalum notatum (bahiagrass) is a valuable forage grass with aposporous apomictic reproduction. In a previous study, we showed that apospory in bahiagrass is under the control of a single dominant gene with a distorted segregation ratio. The objective of this work was to identify molecular markers linked to apospory in tetraploid P. notatum and establish a preliminary syntenic relationship with the genomic region associated with apospory in P. simplex. A F₁ population of 290 individuals, segregating for apospory, was generated after crossing a completely sexual plant (Q4188) with a natural aposporous apomictic plant (Q4117). The whole progeny was classified as sexual or aposporous by embryo sacs analysis. A bulked segregant analysis was carried out to identify molecular markers co-segregating with apospory. Four hundred RAPD primers, 30 AFLP primers combinations and 85 RFLP clones were screened using DNA from both parental genotypes and aposporous and sexual bulks. Linkage analysis was performed with cytological and genetic information from the complete progeny. Cytoembryological analysis showed 219 sexual and 71 aposporous F₁ individuals. Seven different molecular markers (2 RAPD, 4 AFLP and 1 RFLP) were found to be completely linked to apospory. The RFLP probe C1069, mapping to the telomeric region of the long arm of rice chromosome 12, was one of the molecular markers completely linked to apospory in P. notatum. This marker had been previously associated with apospory in P. simplex. A preliminary map of the chromosome region carrying the apospory locus was constructed.     

Identification of SCAR marker linking to longer frond length of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharina japonica</Emphasis> (Laminariales,Phaeophyta) using bulked-segregant analysis

To construct a molecular-marker-assisted selection (MAS) system, research was done on identifying molecular markers linking to longer frond length, a crucial selection index in the breeding of the commercially important seaweed Saccharina japonica. An F₂-segregant population of 92 individuals was obtained by crossing two prominent S. japonica strains. Genomic DNA from ten individuals with the longest frond and ten individuals with the shortest frond in the F₂-segregant population were mixed to create two DNA pools for screening polymorphic markers. In bulked-segregant analysis (BSA), out of 100 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers only two produced three polymorphic RAPD markers between the two DNA pools. In conversion of the three RAPD markers into sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers, only one was successfully converted into a SCAR marker FL-569 linking to the trait of longer frond. Test of the marker FL-569 showed that 80% of the individuals with longest fronds in a wild population and 87.5% of individuals with the longest fronds in an inbred line “Zhongke No. 2” could be detected by FL-569. Additionally, genetic linkage analysis showed that the SCAR marker could be integrated into the reported genetic map and QTL mapping showed that FL-569 linking to qL1-1. The obtained marker FL-569 will be beneficial to MAS in S. japonica breeding.     

RAPD and RFLP mapping of the bacterial blight resistance gene xa-13 in rice

Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most serious diseases of rice. The recessive gene xa-13 confers resistance to Philippine race 6 of Xoo. To tag xa-13 with molecular markers, RAPD analysis was conducted with the combined use of near-isogenic lines and bulked segregant analysis. From the survey of 260 arbitrary 10-nucleotide primers, one primer (OPAC05) was detected to amplify specifically a 0.9-kb band from the DNA of susceptible plants. The distance between the RAPD marker OPAC05-900 and xa-13 was estimated to be 5.3 cM. The RAPD marker was then mapped on chromosome 8 using a mapping population of doubled haploid lines derived from the cross of IR64/Azucena. The linkage between RFLP markers and the RAPD marker was analyzed using an F₂ population of 135 plants derived from a cross between a near-isogenic line for xa-13, IR66699-5-5-4-2, and IR24. No recombinants were found between RZ28 and CDO116 and their distance from xa-13 was estimated to be 4.8 cM. RG136 was located at 3.7 cM on the other side of xa-13. The mapping of xa-13 with closely linked DNA markers provides the basis for marker-aided selection for rice improvement.Department of Agronomy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China     

Development of SCAR markers linked to the gene Or5 conferring resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) in sunflower

A consensus molecular linkage map of 61.9 cM containing the Or5 gene, which confers resistance to race E of broomrape orobanche cumana, five SCAR markers (three dominant, two codominant) and one RAPD marker were identified based on segregation data scored from two F₂ populations of susceptible×resistant sunflower line crosses. Bulked segregant analysis was carried out to generate the five SCAR markers, while the single RAPD marker in the group was identified from 61 segregating RAPD markers that were directly screened on one of the two F₂ populations. The five SCAR markers, RTS05, RTS28, RTS40, RTS29 and RTS41, were significantly (LOD≥4.0) linked to the Or5 gene and mapped separately at 5.6, 13.6, 14.1, 21.4 and 39.4 cM from the Or5 locus on one side, while the RAPD marker, UBC120_660, was found at 22.5 cM (LOD=1.4) on the opposite side. These markers should facilitate the efficient transfer of the resistance gene among sunflower breeding lines. As the first report on molecular markers linked to a broomrape resistance gene, the present work provides a starting point to study other genes and to examine the hypothesis of the clustering of broomrape resistance genes in sunflower. Received: 16 September 1998 / Accepted: 22 June 1999