Prevalence of segregation distortion in diploid alfalfa and its implications for genetics and breeding applications

Segregation distortion (SD) is often observed in plant populations; its presence can affect mapping and breeding applications. To investigate the prevalence of SD in diploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), we developed two unrelated segregating F₁ populations and one F₂ population. We genotyped all populations with SSR markers and assessed SD at each locus in each population. The three maps were syntenic and largely colinear with the Medicago truncatula genome sequence. We found genotypic SD for 24 and 34% of markers in the F₁ populations and 68% of markers in the F₂ population; distorted markers were identified on every linkage group. The smaller percentage of genotypic SD in the F₁ populations could be because they were non-inbred and/or due to non-fully informative markers. For the F₂ population, 60 of 90 mapped markers were distorted, and they clustered into eight segregation distortion regions (SDR). Most SDR identified in the F₁ populations were also identified in the F₂ population. Genotypic SD was primarily due to zygotic rather than allelic distortion, suggesting zygotic not gametic selection is the main cause of SD. On the F₂ linkage map, distorted markers in all SDR except two showed heterozygote excess. The severe SD in the F₂ population likely biased genetic distances among markers and possibly also marker ordering and could affect QTL mapping of agronomic traits. To reduce the effects of SD and non-fully informative markers, we suggest constructing linkage maps and conducting QTL mapping in advanced generation populations.     

Unilateral incompatibility as a major cause of skewed segregation in the cross between Lycopersicon esculentum and L. pennellii

Skewed segregations are frequent events in segregating populations derived from different interspecific crosses in tomato. To determine a basis for skewed segregations in the progeny of the cross between Lycopersicon esculentum and L. pennellii, monogenic segregations of 16 isozyme loci were analyzed in an F₂ and two backcross populations of this cross. In the F₂, 9 loci mapping to chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 9, 10 and 12 exhibited skewed segregations and in all cases there was an excess of L. pennellii homozygotes. The genotypic frequencies at all but one locus were at Hardy-Weinberg equilibria. In the backcross populations, all except two loci exhibited normal Mendelian segregations. No post-zygotic selection model could statistically or biologically explain the observed segregation patterns in the F₂ and backcross populations. A pre-zygotic selection model, assuming selective elimination of the male gametophytes during pollen function (i.e., from pollination to karyogamy), could adequately explain the observed segregations in all three populations. The direction of the skewed segregations in the F₂ population was consistent with that expected based on the effects of unilateral incompatibility reactions between the two species. In addition, the chromosomal locations of 5 of the 9 markers that exhibited skewed segregations coincided with the locations of several known compatibility-related genes in tomato. Multigenic unilateral incompatibility reactions between L. esculentum pollen and the stigma or style of L. pennellii (or its hybrid derivatives) are suggested to be the major cause of the skewed segregations in the F₂ progeny of this cross.     

Population genetics of Drosophila ananassae: inversion polymorphism and body size in Indian geographical populations

Twelve Indian natural populations of Drosophila ananassae, a cosmopolitan and domestic species, were sampled and laboratory populations (mass cultures) were established from naturally impregnated females. These populations were maintained in the laboratory for some generations and were analysed chromosomally to know the frequency of different inversions. The chromosomal analysis revealed the presence of three cosmopolitan inversions. The data on the whole show that there are significant differences in the frequencies of different chromosome arrangements in these populations. Body size (wing length and thorax length) was measured in both sexes (50 females and 50 males), in all the 12 geographical populations of D. ananassae. There are statistically significant differences in wing length as well as in thorax length of both sexes among different geographical populations. Five geographical strains were crossed reciprocally and body size (wing length and thorax length) was measured in F₁ and F₂ progeny. The comparison of body size (both traits) between mid‐parent, F₁ and F₂ shows that there is an increase in body size in F₁ and F₂ progeny as compared with parents. Thus, there is no break down of heterosis in F₂, which suggests absence of coadaptation in geographical populations of D. ananassae. Scaling test statistical analysis showed additive, dominance and epistatic effects in certain crosses involving geographical strains of D. ananassae. Correlation between chromosome arrangement frequency and body size has also been tested and significant negative correlation has been found between 2L – ST chromosome arrangement and male thorax.     

Alterations of the manifestations of hybrid breakdown in Lycopersicon esculentum L. pennellii F2 populations containing L. esculentum versus L. pennellii cytoplasm

Reproductive abnormalities reduced the percent stainable pollen, and fruit and seed set in interspecific F₂ populations derived from crosses of Lycopersicon esculentum and L. pennellii but were not observed in parental lines and interspecific F₁ populations. The degree to which these reproductive abnormalities were expressed in the interspecific F₂ populations was affected by cytoplasm. Reproduction was impeded in interspecific F₂ populations containing L. esculentum cytoplasm (F ₂ ^Le ) by reduction in pollen production, the lack of fruit set and a high proportion of parthenocarpic fruit among plants capable of fruit set. The F₂ populations containing L. pennellii cytoplasm (F ₂ ^Lp4 ) showed a reduced frequency of reproductive abnormalities at all stages of reproductive development, resulting in higher values for percent stainable pollen, fruit and seed set and higher proportions of the F ₂ ^Lp4 populations being capable of setting fruit or seed than F ₂ ^Le populations. The major barrier remaining in F ₂ ^Lp4 populations was reduced fruit set compared to parental lines. The barrier to fruit and seed set observed in the F ₂ ^Le populations, and to a lesser extent in the F ₂ ^Lp4 populations, occurs around the time of fertilization or early embryonic development. The effect of L. pennellii cytoplasm on barriers in the F ₂ ^Lp4 populations is proposed to be due to an interaction between cytoplasmic and nuclear genes during fertilization of the F₁ plants to produce F₂ populations and may also affect subsequent generations.     

HYBRID BREAKDOWN IN DEVELOPMENTAL TIME IN THE COPEPOD TIGRIOPUS CALIFORNICUS

Laboratory crosses were carried out among three genetically differentiated Los Angeles populations (all located within approximately 15 km) and one San Diego population (approximately 150 km away) of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus. Despite high levels of allozyme differentiation, all crosses produced viable F₁ progeny. Most F₁ progeny had shorter developmental times and reduced variance in developmental times compared to the parental populations. Only one pair of populations failed to produce viable F₂ progeny; when the central Los Angeles population (AB) was crossed to the San Diego (SD) population, most larvae died during the late naupliar stages. Developmental times in the F₂ generation of the other Los Angeles × San Diego crosses were typically 40% longer than developmental times of the parental populations. Among the Los Angeles populations, only one cross (and not its reciprocal) showed a similarly large increase in developmental time. Variance in F₂ developmental times was greater than the parental variance in 5 of 10 crosses. These results are discussed with regard to the evolution of coadapted gene complexes and population differentiation in T. californicus.     

Analysis of heterosis and recombination loss for fitness and productivity traits in different hybrids of mulberry silk moth Bombyx mori

Three different races of lepidopteron silk moth Bombyx mori were used in reciprocal and inter se crosses to determine heterosis effects at F₁ and recombination loss at the F₂ generation for three fitness traits (fecundity, larval duration, survival rate) and four productivity traits (larval weight, cocoon weight, shell weight, filament length). Eleven mating types were represented in the present study, including three pure breeds and a variety of F₁ and F₂ populations arising from regular and reciprocal crosses, respectively. Equations were derived to evaluate heterosis, maternal and overdominance effects for the above traits. Estimates of heterosis and overdominance effects revealed significant heterosis effects for all the traits, but overdominance was only seen for larval duration (favorable effect) and survival rate (unfavorable effect). Maternal effects were significant for the majority of the traits under study. The results revealed significant reduction for all the quantitative traits from F₁ to F₂, except for larval duration. The most obvious explanation for the reduction of fitness parameters and productive traits is the reduction in heterozygosity from F₁ to F₂ (it is expected that one half of the heterozygosity of F₁ is lost in F₂). For larval duration this explanation seems insufficient and breakdown of epistatic gene effects (i.e. recombination loss) has been suggested.     

Dominant and additive resistance to the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax in Central American Solanum species

 The inheritance of resistance to Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax in Solanum fendleri, S. hougasii and S. stoloniferum was studied assuming disomic behaviour of these polyploid Solanum species. Various populations were produced from crosses within the wild Solanum species; resistant×susceptible and reciprocal crosses (F₁), self-pollinations (S₁), testcrosses (TC) and self-pollinations (F₂) of resistant hybrids, if possible. For the test crosses with S. hougasii, susceptible genotypes of S. iopetalum were used. In seedling tests, numbers of egg masses were counted after inoculation with M. chitwoodi or M. fallax. Almost all seedlings of the F₁ and S₁ populations of S. fendleri appeared to be resistant, whereas the TC and F₂ populations of three different resistant hybrid genotypes segregated into resistant (having 1 or no egg mass) and susceptible plants (having more than 1 egg mass) at ratios of 1:1 and 3:1, respectively. The results clearly indicate the action of a single dominantly inherited gene, and the symbol R _Mc2 is proposed for this gene. In the case of S. hougasii, F₁ and S₁ seedlings appeared to be mostly resistant. Difficulties were met in producing TC and F₂ populations, and only four TC populations were obtained, which segregated at a 1:1 ratio. These results also indicate the presence of a simple dominant factor. For both S. fendleri and S. hougasii no differences were observed between M. chitwoodi and M. fallax, indicating that resistance genes are the same for both nematode species. The F₁, S₁ and TC populations of S. stoloniferum segregated for the square root number of egg masses into normal-like distributions, which deviated between the Meloidogyne species used. The patterns indicate the presence of several additive genes and one or more genes effective to M. fallax but not to M. chitwoodi. The relationship of resistance genes present in various Central American Solanum species is discussed. Received: 24 September 1996/Accepted: 8 November 1996     

Additive transgene expression and genetic introgression in multiple green-fluorescent protein transgenic crop × weed hybrid generations

The level of transgene expression in crop × weed hybrids and the degree to which crop-specific genes are integrated into hybrid populations are important factors in assessing the potential ecological and agricultural risks of gene flow associated with genetic engineering. The average transgene zygosity and genetic structure of transgenic hybrid populations change with the progression of generations, and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene is an ideal marker to quantify transgene expression in advancing populations. The homozygous T₁ single-locus insert GFP/Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic canola (Brassica napus, cv Westar) with two copies of the transgene fluoresced twice as much as hemizygous individuals with only one copy of the transgene. These data indicate that the expression of the GFP gene was additive, and fluorescence could be used to determine zygosity status. Several hybrid generations (BC₁F₁, BC₂F₁) were produced by backcrossing various GFP/Bt transgenic canola (B. napus, cv Westar) and birdseed rape (Brassica rapa) hybrid generations onto B. rapa. Intercrossed generations (BC₂F₂ Bulk) were generated by crossing BC₂F₁ individuals in the presence of a pollinating insect (Musca domestica L.). The ploidy of plants in the BC₂F₂ Bulk hybrid generation was identical to the weedy parental species, B. rapa. AFLP analysis was used to quantify the degree of B. napus introgression into multiple backcross hybrid generations with B. rapa. The F₁ hybrid generations contained 95–97% of the B. napus-specific AFLP markers, and each successive backcross generation demonstrated a reduction of markers resulting in the 15–29% presence in the BC₂F₂ Bulk population. Average fluorescence of each successive hybrid generation was analyzed, and homozygous canola lines and hybrid populations that contained individuals homozygous for GFP (BC₂F₂ Bulk) demonstrated significantly higher fluorescence than hemizygous hybrid generations (F₁, BC₁F₁ and BC₂F₁). These data demonstrate that the formation of homozygous individuals within hybrid populations increases the average level of transgene expression as generations progress. This phenomenon must be considered in the development of risk-management strategies.Communicated by J. Dvorak     

Genetic evidence for the persistence of the critically endangered Sierra Nevada red fox in California

California is home to both the native state-threatened Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator), which historically inhabited high elevations of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains, and to multiple low-elevation red fox populations thought to be of exotic origin. During the past few decades the lowland populations have dramatically expanded their distribution, and possibly moved into the historic range of the native high-elevation fox. To determine whether the native red fox persists in its historic range in California, we compared mitochondrial cytochrome-b haplotypes of the only currently-known high-elevation population (n = 9 individuals) to samples from 3 modern lowland populations (n = 35) and historic (1911–1941) high-elevation (n = 22) and lowland (n = 7) populations. We found no significant population differentiation among the modern and historic high-elevation populations (average pairwise F _ST = 0.06), but these populations differed substantially from all modern and historic lowland populations (average pairwise F _ST = 0.52). Among lowland populations, the historic and modern Sacramento Valley populations were not significantly differentiated from one another (F _ST = −0.06), but differed significantly from recently founded populations in the San Francisco Bay region and in southern California (average pairwise F _ST = 0.42). Analysis of molecular variance indicated that 3 population groupings (mountain, Sacramento Valley, and other lowland regions) explained 45% of molecular variance (F _CT = 0.45) whereas only 4.5% of the variance was partitioned among populations within these groupings (F _SC = 0.08). These findings provide strong evidence that the native Sierra Nevada red fox has persisted in northern California. However, all nine samples from this population had the same haplotype, suggesting that several historic haplotypes may have become lost. Unidentified barriers have apparently prevented gene flow from the Sacramento Valley population to other eastern or southern populations in California. Future studies involving nuclear markers are needed to assess the origin of the Sierra Nevada red fox and to quantify levels of nuclear gene flow.     

Inheritance of resistance to leaf and glume blotch caused by Septoria nodorum Berk. in winter wheat

Sixteen crosses between eight winter wheat cultivars were screened for resistance to Septoria nodorum leaf and glume blotch in the F₁ and F₄ generations using artificial inoculation in the field. The F₁ of most crosses showed dominance for susceptibility on both ear and leaf. The effects of general combining ability were of similar magnitude as the effects for specific combining ability. On the basis of the phenotypic difference of the parents, no prediction was possible about the amount and the direction of genetic variance in the segregating populations. The variation observed in this study both within and among the segregating populations suggests a quantitative inheritance pattern influencing the expression of the two traits. The components of variance between F₂ families within a population were as high as (for S. nodorum blotch on the ear) or higher (for S. nodorum blotch on the leaf) than those between populations. Therefore, strong selection within a few populations may be as effective to obtain new resistant genotypes as selection in a large number of populations. In almost all crosses, progenies were found that were more resistant than the better parent. Thus transgression breeding may be a tool to breed for higher levels of resistance to S. nodorum blotch. Highly resistant genotypes were found even in combination with two susceptible parents. The genetic source for Septoria resistance is probably broader than is generally assumed and could be used to improve S. nodorum resistance by combination breeding followed by strong selection in large populations. Received: 18 January / Accepted: 30 April 1999     

A transgressive segregation factor (RKN2) in Gossypium barbadense for nematode resistance clusters with gene rkn1 in G. hirsutum

Host plant resistance is an important strategy for managing root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in cotton (Gossypium L.). Here we report evidence for enhanced resistance in interspecific crosses resulting from transgressive segregation of clustered gene loci. Recently, a major gene, rkn1, on chromosome 11 for resistance to M. incognita in cv. Acala NemX was identified using an intraspecific G. hirsutum cross with susceptible cv. Acala SJ-2. Using interspecific crosses of Acala NemX × susceptible G. barbadense cv. Pima S-7, F₁, F₂, F_2:3, backcross, and testcross Acala NemX × F₁ (Pima S-7 × SJ-2), parental entries and populations were inoculated in greenhouse tests with M. incognita. Genetic analyses based on nematode-induced root galling and nematode egg production on roots, and molecular marker analysis of the segregating interspecific populations revealed that gene rkn1 interacted with a gene (designated as RKN2) in susceptible Pima S-7 to produce a highly resistant phenotype. RKN2 did not confer resistance in Pima S-7, but when combined with rkn1 (genotype Aa or aa), high levels of resistance were produced in the F₁ and segregating F₂, F₃, and BC₁F₁ populations. One SSR marker MUCS088 was identified tightly linked to RKN2 within 4.4 cM in a NemX × F₁ (Pima S-7 × SJ-2) testcross population. Using mapped SSR markers and interspecific segregating populations, MUCS088 linked to the transgressive gene from the susceptible parent and was located in the vicinity of rkn1 on chromosome 11. Diverse genome analyses among A and D genome diploid and tetraploid cottons revealed that marker MUCS088 (165 and 167 bp) is derived from G. arboreum, A₂ diploid genome. These results demonstrated that a highly susceptible parent contributed to nematode resistance via transgressive segregation. Derived highly resistant lines can be used as improved resistance sources in cotton breeding, and MUCS088 can be used to monitor RKN2 introgression in diverse populations. The close genomic location of the transgressive resistance determinants provides an important model system for studying transgressive segregation and epistasis in plants.     

Genetic structure of Brandt’s vole (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lasiopodomys brandtii</Emphasis>) populations in Inner Mongolia,China, based on microsatellite analysis

Brandt’s vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) distribution is discontinuous in Inner Mongolia with some populations isolated from others. Recently, some isolated populations have suffered extinction, and the factors responsible remain elusive. Genetic drift is one of the processes affecting population genetic differentiation, and can play a substantial role in the divergence of small, isolated populations. Using seven microsatellite markers, we genotyped four geographically isolated populations of Brandt’s vole, all of which exhibit episodic fluctuations in population density. The results showed a strong genetic differentiation among the geographically distinct populations (total F _ST = 0.124) and in particular, one population (Zhengxiangbaiqi) was isolated from all others (F _ST values were greatest between Zhengxiangbaiqi and other populations). Furthermore, high levels of inbreeding (F _IS values ranged from 0.205 to 0.290) within each distinct population suggest that inbreeding has and is likely occurring in Brandt’s vole populations. These processes can decrease average individual fitness and consequently increase the risk of extinction of the species.     

Genetic differentiation and intraspecific structure of Eastern Tropical Pacific spotted dolphins,Stenella attenuata,revealed by DNA analyses

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and microsatellite loci length polymorphisms were used to investigate genetic differentiation in spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and to examine the intraspecific structure of the coastal subspecies (Stenella attenuata graffmani). One-hundred and thirty-five animals from several coastal areas and 90 offshore animals were sequenced for 455 bp of the mitochondrial control region, resulting in 112 mtDNA haplotypes. Phylogenetic analyses and the existence of shared haplotypes between the two subspecies suggest recent and/or current gene flow. Analyses using χ², F _ST (based on haplotype frequencies) and Φ_ST values (based on frequencies and genetic distances between haplotypes) yielded statistically significant separation (randomized permutation values P<0.05) among four different coastal populations and between all but one of these and the offshore subspecies (overall F _ST=0.0691). Ninety-one coastal animals from these four geographic populations and 50 offshore animals were genotyped for seven nuclear microsatellite loci. Analysis using F _ST values (based on allelic frequencies) yielded statistically significant separation between most coastal populations and offshore animals, although no coastal populations were distinguished. These results argue for the existence of some genetic isolation between offshore and inshore populations and among some inshore populations, suggesting that these should be treated as separate units for management purposes.     

Chilling and freezing stress in live oaks (Quercus section Virentes): intra- and inter-specific variation in PS II sensitivity corresponds to latitude of origin

Sensitivity to cold and freezing differs between populations within two species of live oaks (Quercus section Virentes Nixon) corresponding to the climates from which they originate. Two populations of Quercus virginiana (originating from North Carolina and north central Florida) and two populations of the sister species, Q. oleoides, (originating from Belize and Costa Rica) were grown under controlled climate regimes simulating tropical and temperate conditions. Three experiments were conducted in order to test for differentiation in cold and freezing tolerance between the two species and between the two populations within each species. In the first experiment, divergences in response to cold were tested for by examining photosystem II (PS II) photosynthetic yield (ΔF/F _m′) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of plants in both growing conditions after short-term exposure to three temperatures (6, 15 and 30°C) under moderate light (400 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Without cold acclimation (tropical treatment), the North Carolina population showed the highest photosynthetic yield in response to chilling temperatures (6°C). Both ecotypes of both species showed maximum ΔF/F _m′ and minimum NPQ at their daytime growth temperatures (30°C and 15°C for the tropical and temperate treatments, respectively). Under the temperate treatment where plants were allowed to acclimate to cold, the Q. virginiana populations showed greater NPQ under chilling temperatures than Q. oleoides populations, suggesting enhanced mechanisms of photoprotective energy dissipation in the more temperate species. In the second and third experiments, inter- and intra-specific differentiation in response to freezing was tested for by examining dark-adapted F _v/F _m before and after overnight freezing cycles. Without cold acclimation, the extent of post-freezing declines in F _v/F _m were dependent on the minimum freezing temperature (0, −2, −5 or −10°C) for both populations in both species. The most marked declines in F _v/F _m occurred after freezing at −10°C, measured 24 h after freezing. These declines were continuous and irreversible over the time period. The North Carolina population, however, which represents the northern range limit of Q. virginiana, showed significantly less decline in F _v/F _m than the north central Florida population, which in turn showed a lower decline in Fv/F _m than the two Q. oleoides populations from Belize and Costa Rica. In contrast, after exposure to three months of chilling temperatures (temperate treatment), the two Q. virginiana populations showed no decline in F _v/F _m after freezing at −10°C, while the two Q. oleoides populations showed declines in F _v/F _m reaching 0.2 and 0.1 for Costa Rica and Belize, respectively. Under warm growth conditions, the two species showed different F ₀ dynamics directly after freezing. The two Q. oleoides populations showed an initial rise in F ₀ 30 min after freezing, followed by a subsequent decrease, while the Q. virginiana populations showed a continuous decrease in F ₀ after freezing. The North Carolina population of Q. virginiana showed a tendency toward deciduousness in response to winter temperatures, dropping 58% of its leaves over the three month winter period compared to only 6% in the tropical treatment. In contrast, the Florida population dropped 38% of its leaves during winter. The two populations of the tropical Q. oleoides showed no change in leaf drop during the 3-months winter (10% and 12%) relative to their leaf drop over the same timecourse in the tropical treatment. These results indicate important ecotypic differences in sensitivity to freezing and cold stress between the two populations of Q. virginiana as well as between the two species, corresponding to their climates of origin.     

Distribution of the genes causing F2 chlorosis in rice cultivars of the Indica and Japonica types

Summary Chlorotic plants were segregated in F₂ populations in varietal crosses of common rice. The genetic basis and distribution of the genes causing F₂ chlorosis in native cultivars were studied to examine the role of the F₂ chlorosis in varietal differentiation of rice. It was proven that this F₂ chlorosis was controlled by a set of duplicate genes, hca-1 and hca-2. The hca-2 gene was widely distributed in native cultivars of the Japonica type, while many Indica types carried its dominant allele hca-2 ⁺. Japanese cultivar J-147 carried hca-2. The hca-1 gene was frequently distributed in cultivars containing the Hwc-2 gene for F₁ weakness. We concluded that F₂ chlorosis does not cause or promote varietal differentiation in rice.     

DIFFERENTIATION AND INTEGRATION OF THE GENOME IN POPULATIONS OF THE MARINE COPEPOD TIGRIOPUS CALIFORNICUS

Geographically separated populations of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus are sharply differentiated at several enzyme-encoding gene loci. Two studies were performed to investigate the extent to which the gene pools of local populations are organized into harmoniously interacting (or “coadapted”) gene complexes. In the first, the effects of interpopulation hybridization on development time were assessed. Results showed that while F₁ hybrids did not differ from parental lines, mean F₂ developmental times were as much as 50% longer. The second study used two unlinked enzyme polymorphisms as genetic markers to determine the genotypic specificity of F₂ hybrid breakdown. For two sets of parental populations, the relative viabilities of the different two-locus genotypes were determined from segregation ratios among the F₂ progeny. Sharp deviations from Mendelian ratios were observed; in the extreme, a block of genes marked by the Me^F allozyme from the LJ (La Jolla) population was found to be nearly lethal when homozygous in the F₂ of LJ × AB (Los Angeles) crosses. This same block of genes had a tenfold higher viability in crosses between LJ and SC (Santa Cruz). In the AB × LJ crosses, the two marker loci had independent (multiplicative) effects on viability. In the SC × LJ crosses, deviations from the multiplicative model were observed; the data indicate that parental homozygous genotypes have higher viability than predicted by independence, while nonparental homozygotes have lower than predicted viability. These results suggest that substantial integration of the genome has occurred within natural T. californicus populations.     

Molecular mapping of genes for race-specific overall resistance to stripe rust in wheat cultivar Express

‘Express’, a hard red spring wheat cultivar that has been widely grown in the western United States, is used to differentiate races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, the causal fungal pathogen of wheat stripe rust. To identify genes conferring race-specific, overall resistance to stripe rust, Express was crossed with ‘Avocet S’. The parents and F₁, F₂, F₃ and F₅ populations were tested with races PST-1, PST-21, PST-43, and PST-45 of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici in the seedling stage under controlled greenhouse conditions. Two dominant genes for resistance to stripe rust were identified, one conferring resistance to PST-1 and PST-21, and the other conferring resistance to all four races. Linkage groups were constructed for the resistance genes using 146 F₅ lines to establish resistance gene analog and chromosome-specific simple sequence repeat marker polymorphisms. The gene for resistance to races PST-1 and PST-21 was mapped on the long arm of chromosome 1B, and that conferring resistance to all four races was mapped on the long arm of chromosome 5B. We temporarily designate the gene on 1BL as YrExp1 and the gene on 5BL as YrExp2. Polymorphism of at least one of the two markers flanking YrExp2 was detected in 91% of the 44 tested wheat genotypes, suggesting that they would be useful in marker-assisted selection for combining the gene with other resistance genes into many other wheat cultivars. Knowledge of these genes will be useful to understand recent virulence changes in the pathogen populations.     

Genetics and mapping of adult plant rust resistance in soybean PI 587886 and PI 587880A

Two soybean accessions, PI 587886 and PI 587880A, previously identified as having resistance to Phakospora pachyrhizi Syd. (soybean rust, SBR) were used to create two populations (POP-1 and POP-2) segregating for SBR resistance. F₂-derived F₃ (F_2:3) families from each population were grown in a naturally SBR-infected field in Paraguay to determine inheritance and map resistance genes. Over 6,000 plants from 178 families in POP-1 and over 5,000 plants from 160 families in POP-2 were evaluated at R5 for lesion type: immune reaction (IR), reddish-brown (RB), or tan (TAN) colored lesions. Based on the lesion type present, each F_2:3 family was rated as resistant, segregating or susceptible and this classification was used to infer the F₂-phenotype and genotype. For both populations, the F₂ segregation ratios fit a 1:2:1 (resistant:segregating:susceptible) ratio expected for a single gene (P > 0.05). The RB lesions occurred almost exclusively in the heterozygous class, indicating incomplete dominance under the conditions of this study. Molecular markers flanking the locations of the known resistance genes were used to map the resistance gene in both populations to the Rpp1 locus. However, evaluation of PI 587886 and PI 587880A against eight P. pachyrhizi isolates indicated that the resistance allele in these two accessions was different from Rpp1. This test also demonstrated that these accessions were resistant to at least one P. pachyrhizi isolate collected in the southern US. This is the first report of using an adult plant field-screen with natural rust pressure to map SBR resistance.     

Molecular tagging of stripe rust resistance gene YrZH84 in Chinese wheat line Zhou 8425B

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (PST), is one of the most damaging diseases in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). With the objective of identifying and tagging new genes for resistance to stripe rust, F₁, F₂ and F₃ populations from the cross Zhou 8425B/Chinese Spring were inoculated with Chinese PST isolate CYR32 in the greenhouse. A total of 790 SSR primers were used to test the parents and resistant and susceptible bulks. The resulting seven polymorphic markers on chromosome 7BL were used for genotyping F₂ and F₃ populations. Results indicated that Zhou 8425B carries a single dominant resistance gene, temporarily designated YrZH84, closely linked to SSR markers Xcfa2040-7B and Xbarc32-7B with genetic distances of 1.4 and 4.8 cM, respectively. In a seedling test with 25 PST isolates, the reaction patterns of YrZH84 were different from those of lines carrying Yr2 and Yr6. It was concluded that YrZH84 is probably a new stripe rust resistance gene.     

Population structure of red-cockaded woodpeckers in south Florida: RAPDs revisited

Six south Florida populations of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) were sampled to examine genetic diversity and population structure in the southernmost portion of the species' range relative to 14 previously sampled populations from throughout the species range. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses were used to evaluate the populations (n= 161 individuals, 13 primers, one band/primer). Results suggested that south Florida populations have significant among-population genetic differentiation (F_ST= 0.17, P < 0.000), although gene flow may be adequate to offset drift (N_m= 1.26). Comparison of Florida populations with others sampled indicated differentiation was less in Florida (F_ST for all populations = 0.21). Cluster analyses of all 20 populations did not reflect complete geographical predictions, although clustering of distant populations resulted in a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance. Overall, results suggest populations in south Florida, similar to the remainder of the species, have low genetic diversity and high population fragmentation. Exact clustering of distant populations supports the ability of RAPDs to differentiate populations accurately. Our results further support past management recommendations that translocations of birds among geographically proximate populations is preferable to movement of birds between distant populations.