Mapping of QTLs for morpho-agronomic and seed quality traits in a RIL population of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The objective of this research was to determine the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling phenological traits (days to flowering, days to end of flowering, days to harvest as green pod, and days to maturity), seed size traits (seed length, seed height, seed width, and seed weight), and seed quality traits (water absorption, and coat proportion), in common bean. A population of 104 F₇ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from an inter-gene pool cross between Xana, and Cornell 49242, was used to develop a genetic linkage map including 175 AFLPs, 27 microsatellites, 30 SCARs, 33 ISSRs, 12 RAPDs, 13 loci codifying for seed proteins, and the four genes Fin,fin (growth habit); Asp,asp (seed coat shininess); P,p (seed color); and I,i (resistance to bean common mosaic virus). The map has a total length of 1,042 cM distributed across 11 linkage groups aligned to those of the core linkage map of bean using common molecular markers as anchor points. The QTL analyses were carried out over three environments using the mean environment data with composite interval mapping. Thirty-one QTLs for ten traits were found to be significant in at least one environment and in the mean environment data, the number of significant QTLs identified per trait ranging from two to five. Twenty-seven of these QTLs mapped forming clusters in eight different chromosomal regions. The rationale for this clustered mapping and the possible relationship between some QTLs for phenological traits and the genes Fin and I are discussed.     

Linkage analysis and identification of quantitative trait loci associated with freeze tolerance and turf quality traits in St. Augustinegrass

St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] is a warm-season turfgrass commonly grown in the southern USA. In this study, the first linkage map for all nine haploid chromosomes of the species was constructed for cultivar ‘Raleigh’ and cultivar ‘Seville’ using a pseudo-F₂ mapping strategy. A total of 160 simple sequence repeat markers were mapped to nine linkage groups (LGs) covering a total distance of 1176.24 cM. To demonstrate the usefulness of the map, quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped controlling field winter survival, laboratory-based freeze tolerance, and turf quality traits. Multiple genomic regions associated with these traits were identified. Moreover, overlapping QTL were found for winterkill and spring green up on LG 3 (99.21 cM); turf quality, turf density, and leaf texture on LG 3 (68.57–69.50 cM); and surviving green tissue and regrowth on LGs 1 (38.31 cM), 3 (77.70 cM), 6 (49.51 cM), and 9 (34.20 cM). Additional regions, where QTL identified in both field and laboratory-based/controlled environment freeze testing co-located, provided strong support that these regions are good candidates for true gene locations. These results present the first complete linkage map produced for St. Augustinegrass, providing a template for further genetic mapping. Additionally, markers linked to the QTL identified may be useful to breeders for transferring these traits into new breeding lines and cultivars.     

Genetic mapping of grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.) applied to the detection of QTLs for seedlessness and berry weight

Parental and consensus genetic maps of Vitis vinifera L. (2n = 38) were constructed using a F₁ progeny of 139 individuals from a cross between two partially seedless genotypes. The consensus map contained 301 markers [250 amplification fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), 44 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), three isozymes, two random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), one sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR), and one phenotypic marker, berry color] mapped onto 20 linkage groups, and covered 1,002 cM. The maternal map consisted of 157 markers covering 767 cM (22 groups). The paternal map consisted of 144 markers covering 816 cM (23 groups). Differences in recombination rates between these maps and another unpublished map are discussed. The major gene for berry color was mapped on both the paternal and consensus maps. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for several quantitative subtraits of seedlessness in 3 successive years were searched for, based on parental maps: berry weight, seed number, seed total fresh and dry weights, seed percent dry matter, and seed mean fresh and dry weights. QTLs with large effects (R² up to 51%) were detected for all traits and years at the same location on one linkage group, with some evidence for the existence of a second linked major QTL for some of them. For these major QTLs, differences in relative parental effects were observed between traits. Three QTLs with small effects (R² from 6% to 11%) were also found on three other linkage groups, for berry weight and seed number in a single year, and for seed dry matter in 2 different years.     

Genetic Mapping and QTL Analysis of Growth Traits in the Large Yellow Croaker Larimichthys crocea

Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is an important maricultured species in China. A genetic linkage map of the large yellow croaker was constructed using type II microsatellites and expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived microsatellites in two half-sib families (two females and one male). A total of 289 microsatellite markers (contained 93 EST-SSRs) were integrated into 24 linkage groups, which agreed with the haploid chromosome number. The map spanned a length of 1,430.8 cm with an average interval of 5.4 cm, covering 83.9 % of the estimated genome size (1,704.8 cm). A total of seven quantitative trait locis (QTLs) were detected for growth traits on five linkage groups, including two 1 % and five 5 % chromosome-wide significant QTLs, and explained from 2.33 to 5.31 % of the trait variation. The identified QTLs can be applied in marker-assisted selection programs to improve the growth traits.     

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

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

Analysis of an intraspecific RIL population uncovers genomic segments harbouring multiple QTL for seed relevant traits in lentil (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lens culinaris</Emphasis> L.)

Improving seed related traits remains key objective in lentil breeding. In recent years, genomic resources have shown great promise to accelerate crop improvement. However, limited genomic resources in lentil greatly restrict the use of genomics assisted breeding. The present investigation aims to build an intraspecific genetic linkage map and identify the QTL associated with important seed relevant traits using 94 recombinant inbreds (WA 8649090 × Precoz). A total of 288 polymorphic DNA markers including simple sequence repeat (SSR), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) were assayed on mapping population. The resultant genetic linkage map comprised 220 loci spanning 604.2 cM of the lentil genome, with average inter-marker distance of 2.74 cM. QTL mapping in this RIL population uncovered a total of 18 QTL encompassing nine major and nine minor QTL. All major QTL were detected for seed related traits viz., seed diameter (SD), seed thickness (ST), seed weight (SW) and seed plumpness (SP) across two locations. A considerable proportion of the phenotypic variation (PV) was accounted to these QTL. For instance, one major QTL on LG5 controlling SW (QTL 15) explained 50% PV in one location, while the same QTL accounted for 34.18% PV in other location. Importantly, the genomic region containing multiple QTL for different seed traits was mapped to a 17-cM region on LG5. The genomic region harbouring QTL for multiple traits opens up exciting opportunities for genomics assisted improvement of lentil.     

Genetic mapping of a new set of microsatellite markers in a reference common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) population BAT93 x Jalo EEP558

The present study describes a new set of 61 polymorphic microsatellite markers for beans and the construction of a genetic map using the BAT93 x Jalo EEP558 (BJ) population for the purpose of developing a reference linkage map for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The main objectives were to integrate new microsatellites on the existing framework map of the BJ population, and to develop the first linkage map for the BJ population based exclusively on microsatellites. Of the total of 264 microsatellites evaluated for polymorphism, 42.8% showed polymorphism between the genitors. An integrated map was created totaling 199 mapped markers in 13 linkage groups, with an observed length of 1358 cM and a mean distance between markers of 7.23 cM. For the map constructed exclusively with microsatellites, 106 markers were placed in 12 groups with a total length of 606.8 cM and average distance of 6.8 cM. Linkage group designation and marker order for BM microsatellites generally agreed with previous mapping, while the new microsatellites were well distributed across the genome, corroborating the utility of the BJ population for a reference map. The extensive use of the microsatellites and the availability of a reference map can help in the development of other genetic maps for common bean through the transfer of information of marker order and linkage, which will allow comparative analysis and map integration, especially for future quantitative trait loci and association mapping studies.     

Generation and mapping of SCAR and CAPS markers linked to the seed coat color gene in Brassica napus using a genome-walking technique.

The yellow seed coat trait in No. 2127-17, a resynthesized purely yellow Brassica napus line, is controlled by a single partially dominant gene, Y. A double-haploid population derived from the F1 of No. 2127-17 x 'ZY821' was used to map the seed coat color phenotype. A combination of AFLP analysis and bulked segregant analysis identified 18 AFLP markers linked to the seed coat color trait. The 18 AFLP markers were mapped to a chromosomal region of 37.0 cM with an average of 2.0 cM between adjacent markers. Two markers, AFLP-K and AFLP-H, bracketed the Y locus in an interval of 1.0 cM, such that each was 0.5 cM away from the Y locus. Two other markers, AFLP-A and AFLP-B, co-segregated with the seed color gene. For ease of use in breeding programs, these 4 most tightly linked AFLP markers were converted into reliable PCR-based markers. SCAR-K, which was derived from AFLP-K, was assigned to linkage group 9 (N9) of a B. napus reference map consisting of 150 commonly used SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers. Furthermore, 2 SSR markers (Na14-E08 and Na10-B07) linked to SCAR-K on the reference map were reversely mapped to the linkage map constructed in this study, and also showed linkage to the Y locus. These linked markers would be useful for the transfer of the dominant allele Y from No. 2127-17 to elite cultivars using a marker-assisted selection strategy and would accelerate the cloning of the seed coat color gene.     

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

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

Construction of a SSR-based genetic map and identification of QTL for domestication traits using recombinant inbred lines from a cross between wild and cultivated cowpea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">V. unguiculata</Emphasis> (L.) Walp.)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a grain legume commonly grown and consumed in many parts of the tropics and subtropics. A genetic linkage map was constructed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and a recombinant inbred (RI) population of159 individuals derived from a cross between the breeding line 524B, a California Blackeye, and 219-01, a perennial wild cowpea from Kenya. Out of 912 primer combinations predicted to amplify SSRs in cowpea, 639 reliably produced amplification products in PCR assays and 202 (31.6%) were polymorphic between the two parents. These polymorphic SSRs were used to construct a genetic map consisting of 11 linkage groups (LGs) spanning 677 cM, with an average distance between markers of 3 cM. Agronomic traits related to domestication (seed weight, pod shattering) were analyzed together with the genotypic data. Six quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed size were revealed with the phenotypic variation ranging from 8.9 to 19.1%. Four QTL for pod shattering were identified with the phenotypic variation ranging from 6.4 to 17.2%. The QTL for seed size and pod shattering mainly cluster in two areas of LGs 1 and 10, facilitating the use of marker-assisted selection to eliminate undesirable wild phenotypes in breeding activities involving introgression of traits from wild germplasm. The generation of an SSR-based molecular map and additional trait-linked markers also contributes to the expanding tool kit available to cowpea breeders, especially in Africa.     

Genetic mapping of EST-derived simple sequence repeats (EST-SSRs) to identify QTL for leaf morphological characters in a Quercus robur full-sib family

The availability of genomic resources such as expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers in adaptive genes with high transferability across related species allows the construction of genetic maps and the comparison of genome structure and quantitative trait loci (QTL) positions. In the present study, genetic linkage maps were constructed for both parents of a Quercus robur × Q. robur ssp. slavonica full-sib pedigree. A total of 182 markers (61 AFLPs, 23 nuclear SSRs, 98 EST-SSRs) and 172 markers (49 AFLPs, 21 nSSRs, 101 EST-SSRs, 1 isozyme) were mapped on the female and male linkage maps, respectively. The total map length and average marker spacing were 1,038 and 5.7 cM for the female map and 998.5 and 5.8 cM for the male map. A total of 68 nuclear SSRs and EST-SSRs segregating in both parents allowed to define homologous linkage groups (LG) between both parental maps. QTL for leaf morphological traits were mapped on all 12 LG at a chromosome-wide level and on 6 LG at a genome-wide level. The phenotypic effects explained by each single QTL ranged from 4.0 % for leaf area to 15.8 % for the number of intercalary veins. QTL clusters for leaf characters that discriminate between Q. robur and Quercus petraea were mapped reproducibly on three LG, and some putative candidate genes among potentially many others were identified on LG3 and LG5. Genetic linkage maps based on EST-SSRs can be valuable tools for the identification of genes involved in adaptive trait variation and for comparative mapping.     

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.     

An intraspecific genetic map of velvetbean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mucuna</Emphasis> sp.) based on AFLP markers

Velvetbean (Mucuna sp., n=11), a self-pollinated species, is an important legume used in tropical agricultural systems in rotation with other crops for nematode management and/or soil improvement. A genetic map of velvetbean was constructed in order to identify potential molecular markers linked to important morphological and agronomic traits that would be particularly useful for developing and improving the species. Traits such as seed coat color, pod color, and pod pubescence were among the main parameters observed in a process of genetic diversity estimation. Two slightly divergent velvetbean accessions, PI364362 and Edgar Farm White, a land race from Alabama, were used to make an intraspecific F₁ hybrid. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis (AFLP) detected an average of six polymorphic fragments per primer pair between the two parents. As expected for dominant markers, the sum of all AFLP bands from both parents was generally observed to be present in the AFLP profiles of the F₁ progeny, indicating full penetrance and the dominant nature of AFLP markers. An F₂ population was generated by self-pollinating a single F₁ plant. Using 37 AFLP primer pairs, we detected 233 polymorphic markers of which 164 (70.4%) segregated in 3:1 Mendelian ratios, while the remaining 69 (29.6%) both segregated and were scorable. The genetic linkage map constructed from this population comprised 166 markers, including two morphological traits (pod color and pod pubescence). Twenty linkage groups were found with an average distance between markers of 34.4 cM, covering a total of 687.9 cM. The linkage groups contained from 2 to 12 loci each and the distance between two consecutive loci ranged from 0 to 21.8 cM. The newly designated morphological traits pod color (pdc) and pod pubescence (pdp) co-segregated with each other at a distance of 4.2 cM. Two DNA markers designated ACGCAG2 and ACTCTG1 were located in the same group as pdc and pdp. The AFLP linkage map provides opportunities for use in marker-assisted selection and in the detection of loci controlling morphologically important traits.Communicated by J. Dvorak     

An apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) F2 progeny linkage map based on SSR and AFLP markers,mapping plum pox virus resistance and self-incompatibility traits

A genetic linkage map of apricot ( Prunus armeniaca L.) was constructed using AFLP and SSR markers. The map is based on an F(2) population (76 individuals) derived from self-pollination of an F(1) individual ('Lito') originated from a cross between 'Stark Early Orange' and 'Tyrinthos'. This family, designated as 'Lito' x 'Lito', segregated for two important agronomical traits: plum pox virus resistance (PPV) and self-incompatibility. A total of 211 markers (180 AFLPs, 29 SSRs and two agronomic traits) were assigned to 11 linkage groups covering 602 cM of the apricot genome. The average distance (cM/marker) between adjacent markers is 3.84 cM. The PPV resistance trait was mapped on linkage group G1 and the self-incompatibility trait was mapped on linkage group G6. Twenty two loci held in common with other Prunus maps allowed us to compare and establish homologies among the respective linkage groups.     

Molecular mapping of vernalization requirement and fertility restoration genes in carrot

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a cool-season vegetable normally classified as a biennial species, requiring vernalization to induce flowering. Nevertheless, some cultivars adapted to warmer climates require less vernalization and can be classified as annual. Most modern carrot cultivars are hybrids which rely upon cytoplasmic male-sterility for commercial production. One major gene controlling floral initiation and several genes restoring male fertility have been reported but none have been mapped. The objective of the present work was to develop the first linkage map of carrot locating the genomic regions that control vernalization response and fertility restoration. Using an F₂ progeny, derived from the intercross between the annual cultivar ‘Criolla INTA’ and a petaloid male sterile biennial carrot evaluated over 2 years, both early flowering habit, which we name Vrn1, and restoration of petaloid cytoplasmic male sterility, which we name Rf1, were found to be dominant traits conditioned by single genes. On a map of 355 markers covering all 9 chromosomes with a total map length of 669 cM and an average marker-to-marker distance of 1.88 cM, Vrn1 mapped to chromosome 2 with flanking markers at 0.70 and 0.46 cM, and Rf1 mapped to chromosome 9 with flanking markers at 4.38 and 1.12 cM. These are the first two reproductive traits mapped in the carrot genome, and their map location and flanking markers provide valuable tools for studying traits important for carrot domestication and reproductive biology, as well as facilitating carrot breeding.     

Construction of a SNP-based genetic linkage map for kiwifruit using next-generation restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq)

Kiwifruit is a perennial horticultural crop species of the Actinidiaceae family and has high nutritional value. For a species with a long generation time, traditional breeding and genetic improvement is predicted to take more than 20 years to obtain superior cultivars. Thus, marker-assisted selection (MAS) should be used to accelerate the breeding process. Development of a genetic linkage map and molecular markers are pre-requisites for MAS of crop species. Here, we report a genome-wide SNP-based genetic map of kiwifruit by analysing next-generation restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) reads. To construct a genetic linkage map, a 102 F1 line mapping population of Actinidia chinensis (2n = 58) was derived by combining parents that had contrasting phenotypic traits. The maternal map contained 4112 SNP loci and spanned a distance of 3821 cM, with an average adjacent-marker interval length of 0.929 cM. The map length of the 29 linkage groups ranged from 78.3 to 169.9 cM, with an average length of 131.8 cM. High levels of collinearity between the 29 genetic maps with the kiwifruit reference genome were found. The genetic map developed in this study can serve as an important platform to improve kiwifruit research, including anchoring unmapped scaffolds of the kiwifruit genome sequence and mapping QTLs (quantitative trait loci) that control economically important traits.     

SSR-based genetic mapping and QTL analysis for timing of spring bud flush,young shoot color,and mature leaf size in tea plant (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia sinensis</Emphasis>)

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is a major beverage crop across the world. To uncover the genetic controls of agronomic traits and facilitate marker-assisted breeding (MAB) in tea plant, we constructed a saturated SSR-based linkage map using an F₁ population derived from the crossing of ‘Longjin43’ × ‘Baihaozao’. A total of 483 SSR markers, consisting of 117 novel loci, 129 transferred from other tea plant maps, and 237 previously mapped, were successfully integrated into a new consensus map. The map has 15 linkage groups, covering 1226.2 cM in total with an average marker distance of 2.5 cM. The 126 markers in common enabled us to align this map to the reference genetic maps of tea plant. Phenotype data were collected in 2014 and 2015 for five traits: timing of spring bud flush (TBF), young shoot color (YSC), mature leaf length (MLL), mature leaf width (MLW), and leaf shape index (LSI, i.e., MLL/MLW). QTL analyses were performed for the five traits using the new consensus map and 15 QTLs were identified. The SSR markers, linkage map, and QTLs reported here are useful resources for future QTL mining, identification of causal genes, and MAB in tea plant.     

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.     

A genetic linkage map and comparative genome analysis of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using microsatellites and SNPs

A genetic linkage map is a powerful research tool for mapping traits of interest and is essential to understanding genome evolution. The aim of this study is to provide an expanded genetic linkage map of common carp to effectively carry out quantitative trait loci analysis and conduct comparative mapping analysis between lineages. Here, we constructed a genetic linkage map of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using microsatellite and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in a 159 sibling family. A total of 246 microsatellites and 306 SNP polymorphic markers were genotyped in this family. Linkage analysis using JoinMap 4.0 organized 427 markers (186 microsatellites and 241 SNPs) to 50 linkage groups, ranging in size from 1.4 to 130.1 cM. Each group contained 2-30 markers. The linkage map covered a genetic distance of 2,039.2 cM and the average interval for markers within the linkage groups was approximately 6.4 cM. In addition, comparative genome analysis within five model teleost fish revealed a high percentage (74.7%) of conserved loci corresponding to zebrafish chromosomes. In most cases, each zebrafish chromosome comprised two common carp linkage groups. The comparative analysis also revealed independent chromosome rearrangements in common carp and zebrafish. The linkage map will be of great assistance in mapping genes of interest and serve as a reference to approach comparative mapping and enable further insights into the comprehensive investigations of genome evolution of common carp.