Mapping and QTL analysis of horticultural traits in a narrow cross in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) using random-amplified polymorphic DNA markers

An 80-point genetic map [77 random-amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPD), F (female sex expression), de (determinate), and ll (little leaf)] was constructed from a narrow cross in cucumber using the determinate, gynoecious, standard-sized leaf line G421 and the indeterminate, monoecious, little leaf line H-19. The map defined nine linkage groups and spanned ca. 600 cM with an average distance between markers of 8.4 ± 9.4 cM. The RAPD loci BC-551 and BC-592 were found to flank ll at 3.4 and 12.2 cM, respectively. The locus OP-L18-2 was linked (16 cM) to de, and the F locus was flanked by markers at 44 and 31 cM. One-hundred F3 families were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sex expression, main stem length, number of lateral branches, days to anthesis, fruit number and weight, fruit length and diameter, and fruit length: diameter ratio in two replicated test locations (Wisconsin and Georgia). QTL on linkage group B explained major portions (R2 = ca. 2 to 74%) of the variation observed for sex expression, main stem length, lateral branch number, and fruit diameter (LOD = 2.1 to 29.8). Although ca. 62 to 74% of the variation for sex expression was associated with a putative QTL spanning the F locus (OP-AJ-2 to F and F to de), other regions (three) of the genome were important for the determination of sex in the F3 families examined depending upon environment. The number of genomic regions affecting main stem length (five) and number of lateral branches (three) coincided with expectations as determined by calculations of minimum number of genes in previous studies. Evaluation of QTL associated with several fruit number determinants of early, first-harvest yield demonstrating additive genetic variance (i.e., sex expression, main stem length, and number of laterals) suggests that marker-assisted selection may have utility for the development of determinate, multiple lateral branching germplasm suited for once-over mechanical harvesting in this population.