Extension of the linkage map in Citrus using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and RFLP mapping of cold-acclimation-responsive loci

Genetic mapping with RAPD markers has been initiated in Citrus. Reproducible polymorphism of amplified DNA fragments was obtained with approximately half of the 140 random primers tested, revealing 266 segregating loci. These were tested for linkage using 60 BC₁ progeny from an intergeneric cross of Citrus grandis (L.) Osb. x Citrus grandis (L.) Osb. x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.]. A core linkage map was constructed that consists of nine linkage groups containing 109 RAPD markers and 51 previously-mapped RFLP and isozyme markers. A further 79 markers that could not be ordered unambiguously because of their allelic constitution were associated with individual linkage groups and are shown in relation to the core map. The core map has a total length of 1192 cM with an average distance of 7.5 cM between loci and is estimated to cover 70–80% of the genome. Loci with distorted segregation patterns clustered on several linkage groups. Individual clusters of loci were skewed in allelic composition toward one or the other parent, usually C. grandis. This relatively-saturated linkage map will eventually be used to identify quantitative trait loci for cold and salt-tolerance in Citrus. As a beginning we have mapped three loci detected by a cold-acclimation-responsive cDNA.