Integration of the Classical and Molecular Linkage Maps of Tomato Chromosome 6

In the past, a classical map of the tomato genome has been established that is based on linkage data from intraspecific Lycopersicon esculentum crosses. In addition, a high density molecular linkage map has recently been constructed using a L. esculentum X L. pennellii cross. As the respective maps only partially match, they provide limited information about the relative positions of classical and molecular markers. In this paper we describe the construction of an integrated linkage map of tomato chromosome 6 that shows the position of cDNA-, genomic DNA- and RAPD markers relative to 10 classical markers. Integration was achieved by using a L. esculentum line containing an introgressed chromosome 6 from L. pennellii in crosses to a variety of L. esculentum marker lines. In addition, an improved version of the classical linkage map is presented that is based on a combined analysis of new linkage data for 16 morphological markers and literature data. Unlike the classical map currently in use, the revised map reveals clustering of markers into three major groups around the yv, m-2 and c loci, respectively. Although crossing-over rates are clearly different when comparing intraspecific L. esculentum crosses with L. esculentum X L. pennellii crosses, the clusters of morphological markers on the classical map coincide with clusters of genomic- and cDNA-markers on the molecular map constructed by Tanksley and coworkers.