Comparison of RAPD and RFLP genetic markers in determining genetic similarity among Brassica oleracea L. genotypes

Genetic similarity among 45 Brassica Oleracea genotypes was compared using two molecular markers, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). The genotypes included 37 broccolis (var. italica), five cauliflowers (var. botrytis) and three cabbages (var. capitata) which represented a wide range of commercially-available germplasm, and included open-pollinated cultivars, commercial hybrids, and inbred parents of hybrid cultivars. Fifty-six polymorphic RFLP bands and 181 polymorphic RAPD bands were generated using 15 random cDNA probes and 62 10-mer primers, respectively. The objectives were to compare RFLP and RAPD markers with regard to their (1) sampling variance, (2) rank correlations of genetic distance among sub-samples, and (3) inheritance. A bootstrap procedure was used to generate 200 random samples of size n (n=2,3,5,... 55) independently from the RAPD and RFLP data sets. The coefficient of variance (CV) was estimated for each sample. Pooled regressions of the coefficient of variance on bootstrap sample size indicated that the rate of decrease in CV with increasing sample size was the same for RFLPs and RAPDs. The rank correlation between the Nei-Li genetic similarity values for all pairs of genotypes (990) based on RFLP and RAPD data was 0.745. Differences were observed between the RFLP and RAPD dendrograms of the 45 genotypes. Overlap in the distributions of rank correlations between independent sub-samples from the RAPD data set, compared to correlations between RFLP and RAPD sub-samples, suggest that observed differences in estimation of genetic similarity between RAPDs and RFLPs is largely due to sampling error rather than due to DNA-based differences in how RAPDs and RFLPs reveal polymorphisms. A crossing algorithm was used to generate hypothetical banding patterns of hybrids based on the genotypes of the parents. The results of this study indicate that RAPDs provide a level of resolution equivalent to RFLPs for detemination of the genetic relationships among genotypes.     

CONSTRUCTION OF A GENETIC LINKAGE MAP FOR PORPHYRA HAITANENSIS (BANGIALES,RHODOPHYTA) BASED ON SEQUENCE‐RELATED AMPLIFIED POLYMORPHISM AND SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEAT MARKERS1

Molecular markers and molecular genetic maps are prerequisites for molecular breeding in any plant species. A comprehensive genetic linkage map for cultivated Porphyra haitanensis T. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng has not yet been developed. In this study, 157 double haploid (DH) lines [derived from a YSIII (wildtype) × RTPM (red‐type artificial pigmentation mutant) cross] were used as a mapping population in P. haitanensis. A total of 60 pairs of sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) primers and 39 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers were used to detect polymorphisms between the two parents. Fifteen SRAP and 16 SSR polymorphic primer pairs were selected to analyze the DH population. A linkage genetic map comprising 67 SRAP markers and 20 SSR markers in five linkage groups, with a total length of 830.6 cM and an average of 10.13 cM between markers, was constructed. The markers were distributed evenly in all linkage groups without clustering. The linkage groups comprised 12–23 markers ranging in length from 134.2 to 197.3 cM. The estimated genome length of P. haitanensis was 942.4 cM, with 88.1% coverage. This is the first report of a comprehensive genetic map in P. haitanensis. The map presented here will provide a basis for the development of high‐density genetic linkage maps and lay the foundation for molecular breeding work in P. haitanensis.     

An SSR-based linkage map of Capsicum annuum

There are five cultivated species of pepper, of which Capsicum annuum is the most widely cultivated as a vegetable or spice and the main experimental material of most pepper breeding programs. However, the number of simple sequence-repeat (SSR) markers known for C. annuum is limited. To develop SSR markers for Capsicum species, we constructed four SSR-enriched libraries from the genomic DNA of C.␣annuum, sequenced 1873 clones, and isolated 626 unique SSR clones. A higher percentage of these SSR markers were taken from dinucleotide motif libraries than from trinucleotide motif libraries. Primer pairs for the 626 SSR clones were synthesized and tested for polymorphisms; 594 amplified products were detected with the expected size. However, only 153 products were polymorphic between the parents of our mapping population. Using 106 highly reproducible pairs from the primer pairs, we constructed a linkage map of C. annuum in an intraspecific doubled haploid population (n=117) that contains nine previously reported SSRs as well as AFLP, CAPS, and RAPD markers and the trait of fruit pungency. The map contains 374 markers, including 106 new SSR markers distributed across all 13 linkage groups, and covers 1042 cM. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of these new SSR markers was calculated using 14 lines of Capsicum species. The average number of alleles per locus was 2.9 and the average PIC value was 0.46, even within C. annuum. The SSR markers developed in this study will be useful for mapping and marker-assisted selection in pepper breeding, and the linkage map provides a reference genetic map for Capsicum species.     

Molecular marker-based genetic diversity assessment of Striga-resistant maize inbred lines

Striga-resistant maize inbred lines are of interest to maize breeding programs in the savannas of Africa where the parasitic weed is endemic and causes severe yield losses in tropical maize. Assessment of the genetic diversity of such inbred lines is useful for their systematic and efficient use in a breeding program. Diversity analysis of 41 Striga-resistant maize inbred lines was conducted using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to examine the genetic relationships among these lines and to determine the level of genetic diversity that exists within and between their source populations. The two marker systems generated 262 and 101 polymorphic fragments, respectively. Genetic similarity (GS) values among all possible pairs of inbred lines varied from 0.45 to 0.95, with a mean of 0.61±0.002 for AFLPs, and from 0.21 to 0.92, with a mean of 0.48±0.003, for SSRs. The inbred lines from each source population exhibited a broad range of GS values with the two types of markers. Both AFLPs and SSRs revealed similar levels of within population genetic variation for all source populations. Cluster and principal component analysis of GS estimates with the two markers revealed clear differentiation of the Striga-resistant inbred lines into groups according to their source populations. There was clear separation between early- and late-maturing Striga-resistant inbred lines. Considering the paucity of germplasm with good levels of resistance to Striga in maize, the broad genetic diversity detected within and among source populations demonstrates the genetic potential that exists to improve maize for resistance to Striga.     

Identification and localization of molecular markers linked to the Lr9 leaf rust resistance gene of wheat

Near-isogenic lines (NILs) for the leaf rust resistance gene Lr9 were screened for polymorphisms at the molecular level. RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) primers as well as RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) markers were used. Out of 395 RAPD primers tested, three showed polymorphisms between NILs, i.e., an additional band was found in resistant lines. One of these polymorphic bands was cloned and sequenced. Specific primers were synthesized, and after amplification only resistant lines showed an amplified product. Thus, these primers define a sequence-tagged site that is specific for the translocated fragment carrying the Lr9 gene. A cross between a resistant NIL and the spelt (Triticum spelta) variety Oberkulmer was made, and F₂ plants were analyzed for genetic linkage. All three polymorphisms detected by the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and one RFLP marker (cMWG684) showed complete linkage to the Lr9 gene in 156 and 133 plants analyzed, respectively. A second RFLP marker (PSR546) was closely linked (8±2.4 cM) to the Lr9 gene and the other four DNA markers. As this marker maps to the distal part of the long arm of chromosome 6B of wheat, Lr9 and the other DNA markers also map to the distal region of 6BL. All three PCR markers detected the Lr9 gene in independently derived breeding lines and varieties, thus proving their general applicability in wheat breeding programs.     

Genome-scale identification of resistance gene analogs and the development of their intron length polymorphism markers in maize

As introns are vulnerable to changes such as insertions and deletions when exposed to various evolutionary forces, they constitute a repository for developing genetic markers based on intron length polymorphisms (ILP). This study developed a set of genetic markers that use the potential intron length polymorphism in resistance gene analogs (RGAs) in Zea mays. By searching the genome of Zea mays B73 for the homologs of 73 R genes which have already been identified in plants, we found 861 RGAs, 632 of which have at least one intron that can serve as putative markers targeting the intron length polymorphism in RGAs (RGA-ILP). We developed 1972 candidate markers via electronic PCR (e-PCR) with primer pairs designed in each pair of exonic regions that flank an intron. Furthermore, the performance of RGA-ILP among four maize inbred lines (Huangzao4, B73, Mo17, and Dan340) was evaluated with 69 pairs of randomly selected primers. Of them, 46.4% showed bands that had discriminating length polymorphism, and between any two of the inbred lines the proportion of polymorphism ranged from 23.2 to 31.9%. To make it convenient to use these markers for those interested in molecular breeding of disease-resistant maize, we provide all related information in a web-based database named MaizeRGA, which is available at .     

SCAR,RAPD and RFLP markers linked to a dominant gene (Are) conferring resistance to anthracnose in common bean

Anthracnose, caused by the fungusColletotrichum lindemuthianum, is a severe disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) controlled, in Europe, by a single dominant gene,Are. Four pairs of near-isogenic lines (NILs) were constructed, in which theAre gene was introgressed into different genetic backgrounds. These pairs of NILs were used to search for DNA markers linked to the resistance gene. Nine molecular markers, five RAPDs and four RFLPs, were found to discriminate between the resistant and the susceptible members of these NILs. A backcross progeny of 120 individuals was analysed to map these markers in relation to theAre locus. Five out of the nine markers were shown to be linked to theAre gene within a distance of 12.0 cM. The most tightly linked, a RAPD marker, was used to generate a pair of primers that specifically amplify this RAPD (sequence characterized amplified region, SCAR).The research was supported by the CNRS and the Ministère Français de l'Education Nationale     

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers for genetic analysis in micropropagated plants of Populus deltoides Marsh

RAPD markers were used to assess genetic fidelity of 23 micropropagated plants of a single clone (L34) of Populus deltoides. Eleven arbitrary 10-base primers were successfully used to amplify DNA from in vivo and in vitro material. Of these, 5 distinguished a total of 13 polymorphisms common across 6 micropropagated plants. Apart from these 6 plants, the amplification products were monomorphic across all the micropropagated plants, the mother plant and 4 additional field-grown control plants. Our results show that RAPD markers can be used to gain rapid and precise information about genetic similarities or dissimilarities in micropropagation systems that might not be so easily evident from other commonly used techniques.     

Anther culture and Hordeum bulbosum-derived barley doubled haploids mutations and methylation

Anther culture and Hordeum bulbosum-derived doubled haploid (DH) lines of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were analyzed for RFLP and RAPD polymorphisms. Polymorphisms were not detected in the anther culture-or H. bulbosum-derived DH lines among 273 RFLP and 89 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified DNA fragments assayed. It was calculated that base substitution or small deletion/insertion mutations had not been induced among 401 640 by screened. Large deletion/insertion mutations were not observed among 33 Mb screened. Polymorphisms were observed when DNA was digested with the methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes HpaII and MspI: these RFLPs originated primarily from the anther culture-derived doubled haploids. The data indicate that heritable DNA methylation changes had occurred during DH production, particularly with the anther culture method.     

Inheritance of seed colour and identification of RAPD and AFLP markers linked to the seed colour gene in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

In China Polima cytoplasmic male sterility (cms) is currently the most important hybrid system used for the breeding of hybrids. In an effort to develop yellow-seeded Polima cms restorer lines, we used yellow-seeded, doubled haploid (DH) line No.2127-17 as the gene source in crosses with two elite black-seeded Polima cms R lines, Hui5148-2 and 99Yu42, which originated from our breeding programme. The inheritance of seed colour was investigated in the F₂, BC₁ and F₁-derived DH progenies of the two crosses. Seed colour was found to be under the control of the maternal genotype and the yellow seed trait to be partially dominant over the black seed trait. Segregation analysis revealed a single gene locus for the partial dominance of yellow seed colour. Of 810 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers, 240 (29.6%) revealed polymorphisms between the parents. Of the 240 RAPD primers and 512 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer pairs, four RAPDs and 16 AFLP pairs showed polymorphisms between the bulks, with two RAPD and eight AFLP markers being identified in the vicinity of the seed-coat colour gene locus using a DH progeny population—derived from the cross Hui5148-2×No.2127-17—of 127 individuals in combination with the bulked segregant analysis strategy. Seven of these latter ten markers were linked to the allele for yellow seed, whereas the other three were linked to the allele for black seed. The seed-coat colour gene locus was bracketed by two tightly linked markers, EA02MG08 (2.4 cM) and S1129 (3.9 cM). The partial dominance and single gene control of the yellow seed-coat colour trait together with the available molecular markers will greatly facilitate the future breeding of yellow-seeded hybrid varieties.     

Linkage analysis of er-1, a recessive Pisum sativum gene for resistance to powdery mildew fungus (Erysiphe pisi D.C.)

Linkage analysis was used to determine the genetic map location of er-1, a recessive gene conditioning resistance to powdery mildew, on the Pisum sativum genome. Genetic linkage was demonstrated between er-1 and linkage group 6 markers after analyzing the progeny of two crosses, an F₂ population and a set of recombinant inbred lines. The classes of genetic markers surrounding er-1 include RFLP, RAPD and allozyme markers as well as the morphological marker Gty. A RAPD marker tightly linked to er-1 was identified by bulked segregant analysis. After DNA sequence characterization, specific PCR primers were designed to convert this RAPD marker into a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR).     

A genetic linkage map of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) developed from a cross between two inbred, domesticated lines

 We have constructed a genetic linkage map within the cultivated gene pool of cowpea (2n=2x=22) from an F₈ recombinant inbred population (94 individuals) derived from a cross between the inbreds IT84S-2049 and 524B. These breeding lines, developed in Nigeria and California, show contrasting reactions against several pests and diseases and differ in several morphological traits. Parental lines were screened with 332 random RAPD decamers, 74 RFLP probes (bean, cowpea and mung bean genomic DNA clones), and 17 AFLP primer combinations. RAPD primers were twice as efficient as AFLP primers and RFLP probes in detecting polymorphisms in this cross. The map consists of 181 loci, comprising 133 RAPDs, 19 RFLPs, 25 AFLPs, three morphological/classical markers, and a biochemical marker (dehydrin). These markers identified 12 linkage groups spanning 972 cM with an average distance of 6.4 cM between markers. Linkage groups ranged from 3 to 257 cM in length and included from 2 to 41 markers, respectively. A gene for earliness was mapped on linkage group 2. Seed weight showed a significant association with a RAPD marker on linkage group 5. This map should facilitate the identification of markers that “tag” genes for pest and disease resistance and other traits in the cultivated gene pool of cowpea. Received: 16 September 1996 / Accepted: 25 April 1997     

Molecular markers linked to white rust resistance in mustard Brassica juncea

 White rust, caused by Albugo candida (Pers.) Kuntze, is an economically important disease of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Coss mustard, particularly in India. The most efficient and cost-effective way of protecting mustard plants from white rust disease is through genetic resistance. The objective of this study was to identify RAPD markers for white rust resistance in an F₁-derived doubled-haploid (DH) population originating from a cross between white rust-susceptible and white rust-resistant breeding lines of B. juncea from the canola-quality B. juncea breeding project of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada-Saskatoon Research Centre. The DH population was used to screen for RAPD markers associated with white rust resistance/susceptibility using bulked segregant analysis. Two markers, WR2 and WR3, linked to white rust resistance, flanked the resistance locus Ac2 ₁ and were highly effective in identifying the presence or absence of the resistance gene in the DH population. These two markers were shown to be specific to the Russian source of white rust resistance utilized in this project. It is concluded that the availability of these RAPD markers will enhance the breeding for white rust resistance in B. juncea. Received: 17 December 1997 / Accepted: 7 April 1998     

Genetic diversity and its relationship to hybrid performance in maize as revealed by RFLP and AFLP markers

 The challenge to maize breeders is to identify inbred lines that produce highly heterotic hybrids. In the present study we surveyed genetic divergence among 13 inbred lines of maize using DNA markers and assessed the relationship between genetic distance and hybrid performance in a diallel set of crosses between them. The parental lines were assayed for DNA polymorphism using 135 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and 209 amplified-fragment polymorphisms (AFLPs). Considerable variation among inbreds was detected with RFLP and AFLP markers. Moreover AFLPs detect polymorphisms more efficiently in comparison to RFLPs, due to the larger number of loci assayed in a single PCR reaction. Genetic distances (GDs), calculated from RFLP and AFLP data, were greater among lines belonging to different heterotic groups compared to those calculated from lines of the same heterotic group. Cluster analysis based on GDs revealed associations among lines which agree with expectations based on pedigree information. The GD values of the 78 F₁ crosses were partioned into general (GGD) and specific (SGD) components. Correlations of GD with F₁ performance for grain yield were positive but too small to be of predictive value. The correlations of SGDs, particularly those based on AFLP data, with specific combining-ability effects for yield may have a practical utility in predicting hybrid performance. Received: 15 August 1997 / Accepted: 19 September 1997     

Linkage Mapping of DNA Markers Generated with Specific and Non-Specific Gene Primers in Soybean

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used extensively in the construction of linkage maps for many cultivated crops including soybean, [Glycine max (L.) Merr]. In this study, four sets of oligonucleotide primer pairs of known genes (pearl millet Adh 1, nodule specific proline-rich protein, Drosophila homeobox, heat shock protein), several different combinations from kits A, D, E, and J of arbitrary primers and five primer pairs of soybean simple sequence repeats of varying length (Satt 9, Satt 20, Satt 42, Satt 64, and Satt 30) were utilized in PCR to identify molecular markers which were then used to construct a genetic linkage map. DNA for the PCR reactions was isolated from 65 recombinant inbred soybean lines resulting from crossing PI 290,136 and BARC-2 (Rj ₄ ), followed by self-pollination for seven generations without selection. Mapmaker 3.0, a computer package, was used for construction of the linkage map. A total of 43 polymorphic markers were identified; 30 markers were linked and distributed among 5 linkage groups while 13 markers were unlinked. Arbitrary primers revealed more polymorphisms than specific primers. A combination of arbitrary primers A5 and A18 revealed the maximum number of polymorphic bands. Five observed linkage groups can be expanded in future soybean research by using additional markers.     

RFLP variation and genealogical distance,multivariate distance,heterosis, and genetic variance in oats

Patterns of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) have been proposed as estimators of genetic diversity among breeding lines and as predictors of heterosis and genetic variance. We evaluated these proposals by using a set of nine elite oat lines crossed in a diallel mating design without reciprocals. RFLP analysis was conducted using HindIII-digested DNA and a total of 107 probes from three different sources: 14 heterologous wheat cDNA clones, 17 oat genomic clones, and 76 oat cDNA clones. Of the 77 probes that produced high-quality autoradiographs, 26 detected polymorphisms among this set of lines, with an average of 2.6 variants per probe. RFLP-based genetic distance (FD) was calculated from these data by using Nei and Li's measure of genetic similarity, and was compared with two other measures of genetic divergence. Genealogical distance (GD ^*) was obtained from the coefficients of parentage based on known parental pedigrees, and multivariate distance (DI) was calculated by using the first five principal components of the parental correlation matrix for 12 agronomic traits. FD was significantly correlated with GD ^* (r=0.63, P<0.01), but not with DI (r=-0.05). Cluster analysis based on these three distance estimates did not produce equivalent groupings, but the FD and GD ^* clusters were more similar to each other than to the DI clusters. These results indicate that: (1) sufficient variation exists for further application of RFLP technologyto oats, (2) RFLPs could provide accurate estimates of genetic divergence among elite oat lines, and (3) it is unlikely that dispersed markers can predict heterosis or population genetic variance in oats. Further investigations will require more parental lines, a larger set of markers, and more information on the linkage relationships between RFLP markers and loci controlling the trait of interest.Journal paper No. J-15302 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, IA 50011, USA. Project No. 2818 and 2447. Supported by Quaker Oats grant to M. Lee     

Characterization and fine mapping of <Emphasis Type="Italic">RppQ</Emphasis>, a resistance gene to southern corn rust in maize

Southern corn rust (SCR) is a fungal disease caused by Puccinia polysora Underw, which can infect maize and may result in substantial yield losses in maize production. The maize inbred line Qi319 carries the SCR resistance gene RppQ. In order to identify molecular markers linked to the RppQ gene, several techniques were utilized including random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), simple sequence repeat (SSR), and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). In addition, sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) techniques combined with bulked segregant analysis (BSA) were used. Seven RAPD markers, eight SSR markers, and sixty-three AFLP primer combinations amplified polymorphisms between two parents and two bulk populations. A large F₂ population was used for genetic analysis and for fine mapping of the RppQ gene region. One AFLP polymorphic band, M-CAA/E-AGC₃₂₄, was converted to a SCAR marker, MA7, which was mapped to a position 0.46 cM from RppQ. Finally, the RppQ gene was mapped between the SCAR marker MA7 and the AFLP marker M-CCG/E-AGA₁₅₇ with distances of 0.46 and 1.71 cM, respectively.     

RAPD markers for constructing intraspecific tomato genetic maps

The existing molecular genetic maps of the tomato, Lycopersicon spp, are constructed based on isozyme and RFLP polymorphisms between tomato species. These maps are useful for certain applications but have few markers that exhibit sufficient polymorphisms for intraspecific analysis and manipulations within the cultivated tomato. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative potential of RAPD technology, as compared to isozymes and RFLPs, to generate polymorphic DNA markers within cultivated tomatoes. Sixteen isozymes and 25 RFLP clones that were known to detect polymorphism between L. esculentum and L. pennellii, and 313 random oligonucleotide primers were examined. None of the isozymes and only four of the RFLP clones (i.e., 16%) revealed polymorphism between the cultivated varieties whereas up to 63% of the RAPD primers detected one or more polymorphic DNA fragments between these varieties. All RAPD primers detected polymorphism between L. esculentum and L. pennellii genotypes. These results clearly indicate that RAPD technology can generate sufficient genetic markers exploiting sequence differences within cultivated tomatoes to facilitate construction of intraspecific genetic maps.Abbreviations RFLP restriction fragments length polymorphism - RAPD random amplified polymorphic DNA - PCR polymerase chain reaction - QTLs quantitative trait loci     

Variability for the in vitro culture response in tomato recombinant inbred lines

The aim of this work was to estimate genetic variability for in vitro culture response of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of the genus Lycopersicon. The callus percentage (C), the regeneration percentage (R) and the productivity rate (PR) were evaluated 45 d after culture initiation in a set of 16 elite tomato RILs and their parents. The narrow sense heritability (h ²) values were 0.38 ± 0.04 for C, 0.46 ± 0.04 for R, and 0.28 ± 0.03 for R, while the genetic correlation (r _g ) values were −0.96 ± 0.07 between C and R, 0.81 ± 0.14 between PR and R, and −0.79 ± 0.16 between PR and C. Three AFLP markers associated to the in vitro traits were identified.     

Molecular characterization of RAPD and SCAR markers linked to the Tm-1 locus in tomato

We have cloned and sequenced six RAPD fragments tightly linked to the Tm-1 gene which confers tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) resistance in tomato. The terminal ten bases in each of these clones exactly matched the sequence of the primer for amplifying the corresponding RAPD marker, except for one in which the 5-endmost two nucleotides were different from those of the primer. These RAPD clones did not cross-hybridize with each other, suggesting that they were derived from different loci. From Southern-hybridization experiments, five out of the six RAPD clones were estimated to be derived from middle- or high-repetitive sequences, but not from any parts of the ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA), which are known to be tightly linked with the Tm-1 locus. The remaining clone appeared to be derived from a DNA family consisting of a few copies. These six RAPD fragments were converted to sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers, each of which was detectable using a pair of primers having the same sequence as that at either end of the corresponding RAPD clone. All pairs of SCAR primers amplified distinct single bands whose sizes were the same as those of the RAPD clones. In four cases, the SCAR markers were present in the line with Tm-1 but absent in the line without it, as were the corresponding RAPD markers. In the two other cases, the products of the same size were amplified in both lines. When these SCAR products were digested with different restriction endonucleases which recognize 4-bp sequences, however, polymorphisms in fragment length were found between the two lines. These co-dominant markers are useful for differentiating heterozygotes from both types of homozygote.