Integration genetic linkage map construction and several potential QTLs mapping of Chinese shrimp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fenneropenaeus chinensis</Emphasis>) 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.     

RAPD和SSR两种标记构建的中国对虾遗传连锁图谱

利用RAPD和SSR分子标记结合拟测交策略,对中国对虾(Fenneropenaeuschinensis)“黄海1号”雌虾与野生雄虾作为亲本进行单对杂交产生的F1代,采用RAPD和SSR两种分子标记技术初步构建了中国对虾雌、雄遗传连锁图谱。对460个RAPD引物和44对SSR引物进行筛选,共选出61个RAPD引物和20对SSR引物,用于对父母本和82个F1个体进行遗传分析。共得到母本分离标记146个(RAPD标记128个,微卫星标记18个)和父本分离标记127个(RAPD标记109个,微卫星标记18个)。雌性图谱包括8个连锁群、9个三联体和14个连锁对,标记间平均间隔为11·28cM,图谱共覆盖1173cM,覆盖率为59·36%;雄性图谱包括10个连锁群、12个三联体和7个连锁对,标记间平均间隔为12·05cM,图谱共覆盖1144·6cM,覆盖率为62·01%。中国对虾遗传图谱的构建为其分子标记辅助育种、比较基因组作图及数量性状位点的定位与克隆奠定了基础。     

Genetic mapping of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) applied to the detection of QTLs for alpha-acid content.

The map locations and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were estimated for alpha-acid content in hop (Humulus lupulus L.) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite marker (simple sequence repeat (SSR)) genetic linkage maps constructed from a double pseudotestcross. The mapping population consisted of 111 progeny from a cross between the German hop cultivar 'Magnum', which exhibits high levels of alpha-acids, and a wild Slovene male hop, 2/1. The progeny segregated quantitatively for alpha-acid content determined in 2002, 2003, and 2004. The maternal map consisted of 96 markers mapped on 14 linkage groups defining 661.90 cM of total map distance. The paternal map included 70 markers assigned to 12 linkage groups covering 445.90 cM of hop genome. QTL analysis indicated 4 putative QTLs (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, and alpha4) on linkage groups (LGs) 03, 01, 09, and 03 of the female map, respectively. QTLs explained 11.9%-24.8% of the phenotypic variance. The most promising QTL to be used in marker-assisted selection is alpha2, the peak of which colocated exactly with the AFLP marker. Three chalcone synthase-like genes (chs2, chs3, and chs4) involved in hop bitter acid synthesis mapped together on LG04 of the female map. Saturation of the maps, particularly the putative QTL regions, will be carried out using SSR markers, and the stability of the QTLs will be tested in the coming years.     

Construction of a genetic linkage map in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fenneropenaeus chinensis</Emphasis> (Osbeck) using RAPD and SSR markers

The primary genetic linkage maps of Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Osbeck) were constructed by using the “two-way pseudo-testcross” strategy with RAPD and SSR markers. Parents and F1 progeny were used as segregating populations. Sixty-one RAPD primers and 20 pairs of SSR primers were screened from 460 RAPD primers and 44 pairs of SSR primers. These primers were used to analyze the parents and 82 progeny of the mapping family. About 146 primers (128 RAPDs, 18 microsatellites) in the female and 127 primers (109 RAPDs, 18 microsatellites) in the male were segregating markers. The female linkage map included eight linkage groups, nine triplets and 14 doublets, spanning 1,173 cM with the average marker density of 11.28 cM, and the observed coverage was 59.36%. The male linkage map included 10 linkage groups, 12 triplets and seven doublets, spanning 1,144.6 cM with the average marker density of 12.05 cM, and the observed coverage was 62.01%. The construction of the F. chinensis genetic linkage maps here opened a new prospect for marker-assisted selection program, comparative genomics and quantitative trait loci (QTL) gene location and cloning.     

A Preliminary Genetic Linkage Map of the Pacific Abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino

Preliminary genetic linkage maps were constructed for the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and microsatellite markers segregating in a F₁ family. Nine microsatellite loci, 41 RAPD, and 2688 AFLP markers were genotyped in the parents and 86 progeny of the mapping family. Among the 2738 markers, 384 (including 365 AFLP markers, 10 RAPD markers, and 9 microsatellite loci) were polymorphic and segregated in one or both parents: 241 in the female and 146 in the male. The majority of these markers, 232 in the female and 134 in the male, segregated according to the expected 1:1 Mendelian ratio (α = 0.05). Two genetic linkage maps were constructed using markers segregating in the female or the male parent. The female framework map consisted of 119 markers in 22 linkage groups, covering 1773.6 cM with an average intermarker space of 18.3 cM. The male framework map contained 94 markers in 19 linkage groups, spanning 1365.9 cM with an average intermarker space of 18.2 cM. The sex determination locus was mapped to the male map but not to the female map, suggesting a XY-male determination mechanism. Distorted markers showing excess of homozygotes were mapped in clusters, probably because of their linkage to a gene that is incompatible between two parental populations.     

Genetic linkage maps of two apricot cultivars ( Prunus armeniaca L.), and mapping of PPV (sharka) resistance

Genetic linkage maps for two apricot cultivars have been constructed using AFLP, RAPD, RFLP and SSR markers in 81 F1 individuals from the cross 'Goldrich' x 'Valenciano'. This family segregated for resistance to 'plum pox virus' (PPV), the most-important virus affecting Prunus species. Of the 160 RAPD arbitrary primers screened a total of 44 were selected. Sixty one polymorphic RAPD markers were scored on the mapping population: 30 heterozygous in 'Goldrich', 19 heterozygous in 'Valenciano', segregating 1:1, and 12 markers heterozygous in both parents, segregating 3:1. A total of 33 and 19 RAPD markers were mapped on the 'Goldrich' and 'Valenciano' maps respectively. Forteen primer combinations were used for AFLPs and all of them detected polymorphism. Ninety five markers segregating 1:1 were identified, of which 62 were heterozygous in the female parent 'Goldrich' and 33 in the male parent 'Valenciano'. Forty five markers were present in both parents and segregated 3:1. A total of 82 and 48 AFLP markers were mapped on the 'Goldrich' and 'Valenciano' maps. Twelve RFLPs probes were screened in the population, resulting in five loci segregating in the family, one locus heterozygous for 'Valenciano' and four heterozygous for both, segregating 1:2:1. Of the 45 SSRs screened 17 segregated in the mapping family, resulting in seven loci heterozygous for the maternal parent and ten heterozygous for both, segregating 1:2:1 or 1:1:1:1. A total of 16 and 13 co-dominant markers were mapped in the female and male parent maps respectively. A total of 132 markers were placed into eight linkage groups on the 'Goldrich' map, defining 511 cM of the total map-length. The average distance between adjacent markers was 3.9 cM. A total of 80 markers were placed into seven linkage groups on the 'Valenciano' map, defining 467.2 cM of the total map-distance, with an average interval of 5.8 cM between adjacent markers. Thirty six marker loci heterozygous in both parents revealed straightforward homologies between five linkage groups in both maps. The sharka resistance trait mapped on linkage group 2. The region containing sharka resistance is flanked by two co-dominant markers that will be used for targeted SSR development employing a recently constructed complete apricot BAC library. SSRs tightly linked to sharka resistance will facilitate MAS in breeding for resistance in apricot.     

鲤鱼(Cyprinus carpio L.)头长、眼径、眼间距QTL的定位

用265个AFLP标记、127个微卫星分子标记、37个EST-SSR标记和16个RAPD标记对大头鲤/荷包红鲤抗寒品系的F2雌核发育群体44个个体进行基因型检测, 构建鲤鱼遗传连锁图谱。利用软件WinQTLCart2.5采用复合区间作图法对头长、眼径、眼间距3个性状进行了QTL分析。结果显示, 共检测到5个与头长性状相关的QTL, 分别定位于鲤鱼连锁图谱的LG2(qHS-2-1)、LG3 (qHS-3-1)、LG40(qHS-40-1)和LG4 (qHS-4-2和qHS-4-3) 上。其中qHS-40-1拥有最大的 LOD值, 为7.94, 可解释的表型变异为 34.29%。qHS-4-2的LOD值最小, 为5.03, 可解释的表型变异为11.52%。5个与头长性状相关的 QTL 加性效应值均为负值。检测到两个与眼径性状相关的QTL, 分别定位于鲤鱼连锁图谱的LG39连锁群(qED-39-1)和LG40连锁群(qED-40-1)上, 其中qED-40-1的LOD值比较大, 为2.76, 其加性效应值为负值, 可以解释5.62%的表型变异; qED-39-1的LOD值为2.72, 加性效应值为正值, 可以解释9.77%的表型变异。检测到两个与眼间距性状相关的QTL, 分别定位到鲤鱼连锁图谱的LG20连锁群(qEC-20-1)和LG28 连锁群(qEC-28-1)上。其中qEC-20-1的LOD值比较大, 为3.77, 加性效应值为正值, 可以解释8.29%的表型变异; qEC-28-1的LOD值为2.79, 对应的加性效应值为负值, 可以解释8.88%的表型变异     

Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers for Mapping the Chickpea Genome

Three interspecific crosses were developed using Cicer arietinum (ICC 4918) as the female parent and wild Cicer species [C. reticulatum - JM 2100, JM 2106 and C. echinospermum - ICCW 44] as the male parent. Cicer arietinum (ICC 4918) × C. reticulatum (JM 2100) cross produced the largest number of F₂ plants and was chosen for linkage mapping using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. A partial linkage map was constructed based upon the segregation of 36 RAPD markers obtained by amplification using 35 primers. The linkage map consists of two linkage groups with 17 linked markers covering a total of 464.9 cM. Analyses also revealed association of three morphological traits with linked RAPD markers. Out of seven morphological traits tested for association with linked markers in the segregating plants, four Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected for the trait leaf length and three QTLs each for the traits leaf width and erect plant habit.     

Construction of a High-Density Microsatellite Genetic Linkage Map and Mapping of Sexual and Growth-Related Traits in Half-Smooth Tongue Sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

High-density genetic linkage maps of half-smooth tongue sole were developed with 1007 microsatellite markers, two SCAR markers and an F1 family containing 94. The female map was composed of 828 markers in 21 linkage groups, covering a total of 1447.3 cM, with an average interval 1.83 cM between markers. The male map consisted of 794 markers in 21 linkage groups, spanning 1497.5 cM, with an average interval of 1.96 cM. The female and male maps had 812 and 785 unique positions, respectively. The genome length of half-smooth tongue sole was estimated to be 1527.7 cM for the females and 1582.1 cM for the males. Based on estimations of the map lengths, the female and male maps covered 94.74 and 94.65% of the genome, respectively. The consensus map was composed of 1007 microsatellite markers and two SCAR markers in 21 linkage groups, covering a total of 1624 cM with an average interval of 1.67 cM. Furthermore, 159 sex-linked SSR markers were identified. Five sex-linked microsatellite markers were confirmed in their association with sex in a large number of individuals selected from different families. These sex-linked markers were mapped on the female map LG1f with zero recombination. Two QTLs that were identified for body weight, designated as We-1 and We-2, accounted for 26.39% and 10.60% of the phenotypic variation. Two QTLs for body width, designated Wi-1 and Wi-2, were mapped in LG4f and accounted for 14.33% and 12.83% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Seven sex-related loci were mapped in LG1f, LG14f and LG1m by CIM, accounting for 12.5–25.2% of the trait variation. The results should prove to be very useful for improving growth traits using molecular MAS.     

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 %。     

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。     

QTL Mapping for Frond Length and Width in Laminaria japonica Aresch (Laminarales, Phaeophyta) Using AFLP and SSR Markers

In Laminaria japonica Aresch breeding practice, two quantitative traits, frond length (FL) and frond width (FW), are the most important phenotypic selection index. In order to increase the breeding efficiency by integrating phenotypic selection and marker-assisted selection, the first set of QTL controlling the two traits were determined in F₂ family using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Two prominent L. japonicas inbred lines, one with “broad and thin blade” characteristics and another with “long and narrow blade” characteristics, were applied in the hybridization to yield the F₂ mapping population with 92 individuals. A total of 287 AFLP markers and 11 SSR markers were used to construct a L. japonica genetic map. The yielded map was consisted of 28 linkage groups (LG) named LG1 to LG28, spanning 1,811.1 cM with an average interval of 6.7 cM and covering the 82.8% of the estimated genome 2,186.7 cM. While three genome-wide significant QTL were detected on LG1 (two QTL) and LG4 for “FL,” explaining in total 42.36% of the phenotypic variance, two QTL were identified on LG3 and LG5 for the trait “FW,” accounting for the total of 36.39% of the phenotypic variance. The gene action of these QTL was additive and partially dominant. The yielded linkage map and the detected QTL can provide a tool for further genetic analysis of two traits and be potential for maker-assisted selection in L. japonica breeding.     

Genetic linkage map of a high yielding FELDA deli×yangambi oil palm cross

Enroute to mapping QTLs for yield components in oil palm, we constructed the linkage map of a FELDA high yielding oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), hybrid cross. The parents of the mapping population are a Deli dura and a pisifera of Yangambi origin. The cross out-yielded the average by 8-21% in four trials all of which yielded comparably to the best current commercial planting materials. The higher yield derived from a higher fruit oil content. SSR markers in the public domain - from CIRAD and MPOB, as well as some developed in FELDA - were used for the mapping, augmented by locally-designed AFLP markers. The female parent linkage map comprised 317 marker loci and the male parent map 331 loci, both in 16 linkage groups each. The number of markers per group ranged from 8-47 in the former and 12-40 in the latter. The integrated map was 2,247.5 cM long and included 479 markers and 168 anchor points. The number of markers per linkage group was 15-57, the average being 29, and the average map density 4.7 cM. The linkage groups ranged in length from 77.5 cM to 223.7 cM, with an average of 137 cM. The map is currently being validated against a closely related population and also being expanded to include yield related QTLs.     

A genetic linkage map of Pacific white shrimp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Litopenaeus vannamei</Emphasis>): sex-linked microsatellite markers and high recombination rates

Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is the leading species farmed in the Western Hemisphere and an economically important aquaculture species in China. In this project, a genetic linkage map was constructed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite markers. One hundred and eight select AFLP primer combinations and 30 polymorphic microsatellite markers produced 2071 markers that were polymorphic in either of the parents and segregated in the progeny. Of these segregating markers, 319 were mapped to 45 linkage groups of the female framework map, covering a total of 4134.4 cM; and 267 markers were assigned to 45 linkage groups of the male map, covering a total of 3220.9 cM. High recombination rates were found in both parental maps. A sex-linked microsatellite marker was mapped on the female map with 6.6 cM to sex and a LOD of 17.8, two other microsatellite markers were also linked with both 8.6 cM to sex and LOD score of 14.3 and 16.4. The genetic maps presented here will serve as a basis for the construction of a high-resolution genetic map, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detection, marker-assisted selection (MAS) and comparative genome mapping.     

Genetic linkage map construction and QTL mapping of cadmium accumulation in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread soil pollutant and poses a significant threat to human health via the food chain. Large phenotypic variations in Cd concentration of radish roots and shoots have been observed. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms of Cd accumulation in radish remain to be elucidated. In this study, a genetic linkage map was constructed using an F(2) mapping population derived from a cross between a high Cd-accumulating cultivar NAU-Dysx and a low Cd-accumulating cultivar NAU-Yh. The linkage map consisted of 523 SRAP, RAPD, SSR, ISSR, RAMP, and RGA markers and had a total length of 1,678.2 cM with a mean distance of 3.4 cM between two markers. All mapped markers distributed on nine linkage groups (LGs) having sizes between 134.7 and 236.8 cM. Four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for root Cd accumulation were mapped on LGs 1, 4, 6, and 9, which accounted for 9.86 to 48.64 % of all phenotypic variance. Two QTLs associated with shoot Cd accumulation were detected on LG1 and 3, which accounted for 17.08 and 29.53 % of phenotypic variance, respectively. A major-effect QTL, qRCd9 (QTL for root Cd accumulation on LG9), was identified on LG 9 flanked by NAUrp011_754 and EM5me6_286 markers with a high LOD value of 23.6, which accounted for 48.64 % of the total phenotypic variance in Cd accumulation of F(2) lines. The results indicated that qRCd9 is a novel QTL responsible for controlling root Cd accumulation in radish, and the identification of specific molecular markers tightly linked to the major QTL could be further applied for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in low-Cd content radish breeding program.     

Construction of integrated genetic linkage maps of the tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) using microsatellite and AFLP markers

The linkage maps of male and female tiger shrimp (P. monodon) were constructed based on 256 microsatellite and 85 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Microsatellite markers obtained from clone sequences of partial genomic libraries, tandem repeat sequences from databases and previous publications and fosmid end sequences were employed. Of 670 microsatellite and 158 AFLP markers tested for polymorphism, 341 (256 microsatellite and 85 AFLP markers) were used for genotyping with three F₁ mapping panels, each comprising two parents and more than 100 progeny. Chi‐square goodness‐of‐fit test (χ²) revealed that only 19 microsatellite and 28 AFLP markers showed a highly significant segregation distortion (P < 0.005). Linkage analysis with a LOD score of 4.5 revealed 43 and 46 linkage groups in male and female linkage maps respectively. The male map consisted of 176 microsatellite and 49 AFLP markers spaced every ～11.2 cM, with an observed genome length of 2033.4 cM. The female map consisted of 171 microsatellite and 36 AFLP markers spaced every ～13.8 cM, with an observed genome length of 2182 cM. Both maps shared 136 microsatellite markers, and the alignment between them indicated 38 homologous pairs of linkage groups including the linkage group representing the sex chromosome. The karyotype of P. monodon is also presented. The tentative assignment of the 44 pairs of P. monodon haploid chromosomes showed the composition of forty metacentric, one submetacentric and three acrocentric chromosomes. Our maps provided a solid foundation for gene and QTL mapping in the tiger shrimp.     

大豆遗传图谱的构建和分析

利用大豆栽培品种科丰1号和南农1138－2杂交得到的重组近交系NJRIKY,通过RFLP,SSR,RAPD和AFLP4种分子标记的遗传连锁分析,构建了包含24个连锁群,由792个遗传标记组成的大豆较高密度连锁图谱,该图谱覆盖2320．7cM,平均图距2．9cM,SSR标记的多态性较高,在基因组中的位置相对稳定,可以作为锚定标记,有利于连锁群的归并和不同图谱的比较整合;而AFLP标记对于增加图谱密度效率较高,但其容易出现聚集现象,从而造成连锁群上有很大的空隙（gap),另外,在连锁群中有21．7％的分子标记出现偏分离,该图谱为基因定位,比较基因组学和重要农艺性状的QTL定位等研究打下了基础。     

Construction of High-Density Genetic Linkage Maps and Mapping of Growth-Related Quantitative Trail Loci in the Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

High-density genetic linkage maps were constructed for the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). A total of 1624 microsatellite markers were polymorphic in the reference family. Linkage analysis using JoinMap 4.0 resulted in the mapping of 1487 markers to 24 linkage groups, a result which was consistent with the 24 chromosomes seen in chromosome spreads. The female map was composed of 1257 markers, covering a total of 1663.8 cM with an average interval 1.35 cM between markers. The male map consisted of 1224 markers, spanning 1726.5 cM, with an average interval of 1.44 cM. The genome length in the Japanese flounder was estimated to be 1730.3 cM for the females and 1798.0 cM for the males, a coverage of 96.2% for the female and 96.0% for the male map. The mean recombination at common intervals throughout the genome revealed a slight difference between sexes, i.e. 1.07 times higher in the male than female. High-density genetic linkage maps are very useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs for economically valuable traits in this species and for further evolutionary studies in flatfish and vertebrate species. Furthermore, four quantiative trait loci (QTL) associated with growth traits were mapped on the genetic map. One QTL was identified for body weight on LG 14 f, which explained 14.85% of the total variation of the body weight. Three QTL were identified for body width on LG14f and LG14m, accounting for 16.75%, 13.62% and 13.65% of the total variation in body width, respectively. The additive effects were evident as negative values. There were four QTL for growth traits clustered on LG14, which should prove to be very useful for improving growth traits using molecular MAS.     

Construction of genetic linkage maps and QTL mapping for X-disease resistance in tetraploid chokecherry (Prunus virginiana L.) using SSR and AFLP markers

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana L.) (2n = 4x = 32) is a unique Prunus species for both genetics and disease resistance research due to its tetraploid nature and known variations in X-disease resistance. X-disease is a destructive disease of stone fruit trees, causing yield loss and poor fruit quality. However, genetic and genomic information on chokecherry is limited. In this study, simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to construct genetic linkage maps and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with X-disease resistance in chokecherry. A segregating population (101 progenies) was developed by crossing an X-disease-resistant chokecherry line (RC) with a susceptible chokecherry line (SC). A total of 498 DNA markers (257 SSR and 241 AFLP markers) were mapped on the two genetic maps of the two parental lines (RC and SC). The map of RC contains 302 markers assigned to 14 linkage groups covering 2,089 cM of the genome. The map of SC has 259 markers assigned to 16 linkage groups covering 1,562.4 cM of the genome. The average distance between two markers was 6.9 cM for the RC map and 6.0 cM for the SC map. One QTL located on linkage group 15 on the map of SC was found to be associated with X-disease resistance. Genetic linkage maps and the identified QTL linked to X-disease resistance will further facilitate genetic research and breeding of X-disease resistance in chokecherry and other Prunus species.     

A genetic linkage map based on AFLP and SSR markers and mapping of QTL for dry-matter content in sweetpotato

We developed a genetic linkage map of sweetpotato using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and a mapping population consisting of 202 individuals derived from a broad cross between Xushu 18 and Xu 781, and mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the storage root dry-matter content. The linkage map for Xushu 18 included 90 linkage groups with 2077 markers (1936 AFLP and 141 SSR) and covered 8,184.5 cM with an average marker distance of 3.9 cM, and the map for Xu 781 contained 90 linkage groups with 1954 markers (1824 AFLP and 130 SSR) and covered 8,151.7 cM with an average marker distance of 4.2 cM. The maps described herein have the best coverage of the sweetpotato genome and the highest marker density reported to date. These are the first maps developed that have 90 complete linkage groups, which is in agreement with the actual number of chromosomes. Duplex and triplex markers were used to detect the homologous groups, and 13 and 14 homologous groups were identified in Xushu 18 and Xu 781 maps, respectively. Interval mapping was performed first and, subsequently, a multiple QTL model was used to refine the position and magnitude of the QTL. A total of 27 QTL for dry-matter content were mapped, explaining 9.0–45.1 % of the variation; 77.8 % of the QTL had a positive effect on the variation. This work represents an important step forward in genomics and marker-assisted breeding of sweetpotato.