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A molecular linkage map of olive (Olea europaea L) based on RAPD, microsatellite, and SCAR markers.

An integrated molecular linkage map of olive (Olea europaea L.) was constructed based on randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR), and microsatellite markers using the pseudo-testcross strategy. A mapping population of 104 individuals was generated from an F1 full-sib family of a cross between 'Frantoio' and 'Kalamata'. The hybridity of the mapping population was confirmed by genetic similarity and nonmetric multidimensional scaling. Twenty-three linkage groups were mapped for 'Kalamata', covering 759 cM of the genome with 89 loci and an average distance between loci of 11.5 cM. Twenty-seven linkage groups were mapped for 'Frantoio', covering 798 cM of the genome with 92 loci and an average distance between loci of 12.3 cM. For the integrated map, 15 linkage groups covered 879 cM of the genome with 101 loci and an average distance between loci of 10.2 cM. The size of the genomic DNA was estimated to be around 3000 cM. A sequence characterized amplified region marker linked to olive peacock disease resistance was mapped to linkage group 2 of the integrated map. These maps will be the starting point for studies on the structure, evolution, and function of the olive genome. When the mapping progeny pass through their juvenile phase and assume their adult characters, mapping morphological markers and identification of quantitative trait loci for adaptive traits will be the primary targets.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Genetic mapping of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) applied to the detection of QTLs for alpha-acid content.

The map locations and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were estimated for alpha-acid content in hop (Humulus lupulus L.) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite marker (simple sequence repeat (SSR)) genetic linkage maps constructed from a double pseudotestcross. The mapping population consisted of 111 progeny from a cross between the German hop cultivar 'Magnum', which exhibits high levels of alpha-acids, and a wild Slovene male hop, 2/1. The progeny segregated quantitatively for alpha-acid content determined in 2002, 2003, and 2004. The maternal map consisted of 96 markers mapped on 14 linkage groups defining 661.90 cM of total map distance. The paternal map included 70 markers assigned to 12 linkage groups covering 445.90 cM of hop genome. QTL analysis indicated 4 putative QTLs (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, and alpha4) on linkage groups (LGs) 03, 01, 09, and 03 of the female map, respectively. QTLs explained 11.9%-24.8% of the phenotypic variance. The most promising QTL to be used in marker-assisted selection is alpha2, the peak of which colocated exactly with the AFLP marker. Three chalcone synthase-like genes (chs2, chs3, and chs4) involved in hop bitter acid synthesis mapped together on LG04 of the female map. Saturation of the maps, particularly the putative QTL regions, will be carried out using SSR markers, and the stability of the QTLs will be tested in the coming years.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Integration of microsatellite-based genetic maps for the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).

Integration of turkey genetic maps and their associated markers is essential to increase marker density in support of map-based genetic studies. The objectives of this study were to integrate 2 microsatellite-based turkey genetic maps--the Roslin map and the University of Minnesota (UMN) map--by genotyping markers from the Roslin study on the mapping families of the UMN study. A total of 279 markers was tested, and 240 were subsequently screened for polymorphisms in the UMN/Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms (NTBF) mapping families. Of the 240 markers, 89 were genetically informative and were used for genotyping the F2 offspring. Significant genetic linkages (log of odds > 3.0) were found for 84 markers from the Roslin study. BLASTn comparison of marker sequences with the draft assembly of the chicken genome found 263 significant matches. The combination of genetic and in silico mapping allowed for the alignment of all linkage groups of the Roslin map with those of the UMN map. With the addition of the markers from the Roslin map, 438 markers are now genetically linked in the UMN/NTBF families, and more than 1700 turkey sequences have now been assigned to likely positions in the chicken-genome sequence.

Animals↗

Oscillatory and burst discharge across electrosensory topographic maps.

1. Three parallel maps of the distribution of tuberous electroreceptor inputs are found in the medullary electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL) of weakly electric fish. Pyramidal cells in each map are known to respond differentially to the frequency of amplitude modulations (AMs) of external electric fields in vivo. We used an in vitro ELL slice preparation of Apteronotus leptorhynchus to compare the characteristics of spontaneously active single units across the three tuberous maps. It was our objective to determine whether spontaneous bursting activity of pyramidal cells in each map correlates with the known AM frequency selectivities of pyramidal cells in vivo. 2. Single-unit discharges were recorded from the pyramidal cell layer of the centromedial segment (CMS), centrolateral segment (CLS), and lateral segment (LS) of the ELL. Stochastic analysis of interspike intervals (ISIs) was used to identify bursting and nonbursting unit activity, and to separately analyze intra- and interburst ISIs. Four ISI patterns were identified as 1) bursting, 2) regular spiking, 3) irregular spiking, and 4) highly irregular spiking. This work focuses primarily on the characteristics of bursting units across the ELL segments. 3. Spontaneous bursting discharge was identified in all three maps (68 of 97 units), with several characteristics changing in a gradual manner across the maps. The coefficient of variation (CV) of ISIs and intraburst ISIs decreased significantly from the CMS to the LS, whereas the CV of burst periods increased significantly from the CMS to the LS. Autocorrelations and power spectral density analysis identified units discharging in an oscillatory manner with the following ratio: CMS, 75%; CLS, 4%; LS, 8%. 4. The mean period of spike bursts decreased significantly across the segments (CMS, 2.7 s; CLS, 1.2 s; LS, 1.1 s) primarily because of a shortening of mean burst duration (CMS, 1.0 s; CLS, 0.1 s; LS, 0.05 s). The average number of spikes per burst decreased significantly across the maps (CMS, 61; CLS, 8; LS, 8), whereas the average frequency of spikes per burst increased (CMS, 90 Hz; CLS, 130 Hz; LS, 178 Hz), mainly through an increase in the maximal frequencies attained by units within each map. 5. Bursts in the CMS were unstructured in that the intraburst ISIs were serially independent, whereas for many units in the CLS and especially the LS there were serial dependencies of successive spikes, with alternating short and long ISIs during the burst. 6. These data reveal that the characteristics of bursting unit activity differ between the CMS, CLS, and LS maps in vitro, implying a modulation of the factors underlying burst discharge across multiple sensory maps. Because the pattern of change in burst activity between these maps parallels that of pyramidal cell AM frequency selectivity in vivo, oscillatory and burst discharge may represent the cellular mechanism used to tune these cells to specific frequencies of afferent input during electrolocation and electrocommunication.

Action Potentials↗

Construction of two genetic linkage maps in cultivated tetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa) using microsatellite and AFLP markers.

BACKGROUND: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a major forage crop. The genetic progress is slow in this legume species because of its autotetraploidy and allogamy. The genetic structure of this species makes the construction of genetic maps difficult. To reach this objective, and to be able to detect QTLs in segregating populations, we used the available codominant microsatellite markers (SSRs), most of them identified in the model legume Medicago truncatula from EST database. A genetic map was constructed with AFLP and SSR markers using specific mapping procedures for autotetraploids. The tetrasomic inheritance was analysed in an alfalfa mapping population. RESULTS: We have demonstrated that 80% of primer pairs defined on each side of SSR motifs in M. truncatula EST database amplify with the alfalfa DNA. Using a F1 mapping population of 168 individuals produced from the cross of 2 heterozygous parental plants from Magali and Mercedes cultivars, we obtained 599 AFLP markers and 107 SSR loci. All but 3 SSR loci showed a clear tetrasomic inheritance. For most of the SSR loci, the double-reduction was not significant. For the other loci no specific genotypes were produced, so the significant double-reduction could arise from segregation distortion. For each parent, the genetic map contained 8 groups of four homologous chromosomes. The lengths of the maps were 2649 and 3045 cM, with an average distance of 7.6 and 9.0 cM between markers, for Magali and Mercedes parents, respectively. Using only the SSR markers, we built a composite map covering 709 cM. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to diploid alfalfa genetic maps, our maps cover about 88-100% of the genome and are close to saturation. The inheritance of the codominant markers (SSR) and the pattern of linkage repulsions between markers within each homology group are consistent with the hypothesis of a tetrasomic meiosis in alfalfa. Except for 2 out of 107 SSR markers, we found a similar order of markers on the chromosomes between the tetraploid alfalfa and M. truncatula genomes indicating a high level of colinearity between these two species. These maps will be a valuable tool for alfalfa breeding and are being used to locate QTLs.

Alleles↗

Cosmopolitan linkage disequilibrium maps.

Linkage maps have been invaluable for the positional cloning of many genes involved in severe human diseases. Standard genetic linkage maps have been constructed for this purpose from the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain and other panels, and have been widely used. Now that attention has shifted towards identifying genes predisposing to common disorders using linkage disequilibrium (LD) and maps of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), it is of interest to consider a standard LD map which is somewhat analogous to the corresponding map for linkage. We have constructed and evaluated a cosmopolitan LD map by combining samples from a small number of populations using published data from a 10-megabase region on chromosome 20. In support of a pilot study, which examined a number of small genomic regions with a lower density of markers, we have found that a cosmopolitan map, which serves all populations when appropriately scaled, recovers 91 to 95 per cent of the information within population-specific maps. Recombination hot spots appear to have a dominant role in shaping patterns of LD. The success of the cosmopolitan map might be attributed to the co-localisation of hot spots in all populations. Although there must be finer scale differences between populations due to other processes (mutation, drift, selection), the results suggest that a whole-genome standard LD map would indeed be a useful resource for disease gene mapping.

Chromosome Mapping↗

A rapid method to map mutations in Drosophila.

BACKGROUND: Genetic screens in Drosophila have provided a wealth of information about a variety of cellular and developmental processes. It is now possible to screen for mutant phenotypes in virtually any cell at any stage of development by performing clonal screens using the flp/FRT system. The rate-limiting step in the analysis of these mutants is often the identification of the mutated gene, however, because traditional mapping strategies rely mainly on genetic and cytological markers that are not easily linked to the molecular map. RESULTS: Here we describe the development of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) map for chromosome arm 3R. The map contains 73 polymorphisms between the standard FRT chromosome, and a mapping chromosome that carries several visible markers (rucuca), at an average density of one SNP per 370 kilobases (kb). Using this collection, we show that mutants can be mapped to a 400 kb interval in a single meiotic mapping cross, with only a few hundred SNP detection reactions. Discovery of further SNPs in the region of interest allows the mutation to be mapped with the same recombinants to a region of about 50 kb. CONCLUSION: The combined use of standard visible markers and molecular polymorphisms in a single mapping strategy greatly reduces both the time and cost of mapping mutations, because it requires at least four times fewer SNP detection reactions than a standard approach. The use of this map, or others developed along the same lines, will greatly facilitate the identification of the molecular lesions in mutants from clonal screens.

Animals↗

Linkage maps of microsatellite DNA markers for the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas.

We constructed male and female consensus linkage maps for the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, using a total of 102 microsatellite DNA markers typed in 11-day-old larvae from three families. We identified 11 and 12 linkage groups in the male and female consensus maps, respectively. Alignment of these separate maps, however, suggests 10 linkage groups, which agrees with the haploid chromosome number. The male linkage map comprises 88 loci and spans 616.1 cM, while the female map comprises 86 loci and spans 770.5 cM. The male and the female maps share 74 loci; 2 markers remain unlinked. The estimated coverages for the consensus linkage maps are 79% for the male and 70-75% for the female, on the basis of two estimates of genome length. Ninety-five percent of the genome is expected to lie within 16 and 21 cM of markers on the male and female maps, respectively, while 95% of simulated minimum distances to the male and female maps are within 10.1 and 13.6 cM, respectively. Females have significantly more recombination than males, across 118 pairs of linked markers in common to the parents of the three families. Significant differences in recombination and orders of markers are also evident among same-sex parents of different families as well as sibling parents of opposite sex. These observations suggest that polymorphism for chromosomal rearrangements may exist in natural populations, which could have profound implications for interpreting the evolutionary genetics of the oyster. These are the first linkage maps for a bivalve mollusc that use microsatellite DNA markers, which should enable them to be transferred to other families and to be useful for further genetic analyses such as QTL mapping.

Animals↗

Group 3 chromosome bin maps of wheat and their relationship to rice chromosome 1.

The focus of this study was to analyze the content, distribution, and comparative genome relationships of 996 chromosome bin-mapped expressed sequence tags (ESTs) accounting for 2266 restriction fragments (loci) on the homoeologous group 3 chromosomes of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Of these loci, 634, 884, and 748 were mapped on chromosomes 3A, 3B, and 3D, respectively. The individual chromosome bin maps revealed bins with a high density of mapped ESTs in the distal region and bins of low density in the proximal region of the chromosome arms, with the exception of 3DS and 3DL. These distributions were more localized on the higher-resolution group 3 consensus map with intermediate regions of high-mapped-EST density on both chromosome arms. Gene ontology (GO) classification of mapped ESTs was not significantly different for homoeologous group 3 chromosomes compared to the other groups. A combined analysis of the individual bin maps using 537 of the mapped ESTs revealed rearrangements between the group 3 chromosomes. Approximately 232 (44%) of the consensus mapped ESTs matched sequences on rice chromosome 1 and revealed large- and small-scale differences in gene order. Of the group 3 mapped EST unigenes approximately 21 and 32% matched the Arabidopsis coding regions and proteins, respectively, but no chromosome-level gene order conservation was detected.

Chromosome Mapping↗

A restriction fragment length polymorphism based linkage map of a diploid Avena recombinant inbred line population.

A population of 100 F6-derived recombinant inbred lines was developed from the cross of two diploid (2n = 14) Avena accessions, CI3815 (A. strigosa) and C11994 (A. wiestii). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) probes previously mapped in other grass species were used to develop a framework linkage map suitable for comparative genetics. Nine linkage groups were identified among the 181 loci mapped, with an average interlocus distance of 5 cM, and a total genetic map length of 880 cM. A cluster of five tightly linked crown rust resistance genes (Pca) was localized on the map, as were five loci identified by disease resistance gene analogs from maize, sorghum, and wheat. None of the five loci identified by the gene analogs were linked to the Pca locus. The linkage map was compared with previously published diploid and hexaploid linkage maps in an attempt to identify homologous or homoeologous chromosomes between populations. Locus orders and linkage relationships were poorly conserved between the A. strigosa x A. wiestii map and other Avena maps. In spite of mapping complications due to duplications within a basic genome a well as the allopolyploid constitution of many Avena species, such map comparisons within Avena provide further evi dence of substantial chromosomal rearrangement between species within Avena.

Avena↗

MultiMap: an expert system for automated genetic linkage mapping.

With the advent of the Human Genome Project, the ability to rapidly construct comprehensive and accurate linkage maps based on genetic marker data from family studies is an absolute necessity. In addition to their usefulness in localizing genes for both simple and complex disorders, linkage maps are invaluable tools for genetic counseling using linked marker genes. Several computer program packages are publicly available which aid in the construction of linkage maps by computing multipoint likelihoods for specified locus orders. However, these programs work in a step-by-step fashion, requiring intensive user-intervention and analysis at each step. Such a repetitive process is amenable to computerized automation. We have developed and tested an expert system computer program, MultiMap, for automated genetic linkage mapping. This program greatly reduces the amount of user-computer interaction, increasing the accuracy and speed with which a map can be constructed. In addition, because the total mapping time is greatly reduced through automation, it is now feasible to explore and compare various mapping heuristics and mapping criteria in order to develop the most appropriate approach, or set of approaches, for genetic linkage mapping. MultiMap need not be restricted to the construction of genetic maps, but could be adapted to aid in the automated construction of physical maps as well.

Automation↗

[Use of body surface heart potential mapping for registration of electrical phenomenal in the atrium].

Research on body surface potential mapping concerned predominantly the ventricular excitation process. There is only very limited data available documenting surface potential distribution during atrial electric events. The goal of this study was to establish the pattern and criteria of the atrial potential maps in the healthy population, which is substantial for a prospective usefulness of the noninvasive registrations of surface maps in atrial arrhythmias. A group of 54 subjects in whom there was no clinical evidence of cardiac dysfunction underwent a procedure of body surface potential mapping. The recordings were performed using the HPM-7100 system simultaneously from 87 leads covering the entire thorax. Isopotential maps registered during the P wave were subjected to the statistical analysis by means of the own system "Heart Map" enabling the qualitative and quantitative estimation of the atrial maps. To avoid a problem of variable heart rate, a time standardization, by the division of the P wave into 10 time intervals, was applied. In order to eliminate an interindividual variability of heart location in the thorax, a distribution of the constituent values without subordinating them to the individual electrodes was proposed. In consequence, the group-mean isopotential maps of the wave P for the normal subjects were created. According to the migration of the maximum throughout the thoracic surface during the P wave, three phases of the isopotential atrial maps were determined: phase 1 (P1-P4) comprising initial 40% of the P wave, phase 2 (P5,P6)-next 20% of the P wave and phase 3 (P7-P10)-the terminal 40% of the P wave duration. These phases reflect the successive sequences of atrial excitation. During the whole atrial depolarization the minimum of potential, changing its value, was located around lead D7. Furthermore, in the results of the analysis of the constituent values sequences, for the P wave time intervals the additional quantitive parameters were calculated, i.e. areas designated by positive and negative potential and the ratio of these areas. The presented findings revealed that surface maps give the precious insight into spread of atrial excitation. Establishing of the distribution pattern and the criteria of the atrial potential maps for normals enables to undertake the further research on the use of this technique in a various atrial pathology.

Adult↗

ODS2: a multiplatform software application for creating integrated physical and genetic maps.

A contig map is a physical map that shows the native order of a library of overlapping genomic clones. One common method for creating such maps involves using hybridization to detect clone overlaps. False- positive and false-negative hybridization errors, the presence of chimeric clones, and gaps in library coverage lead to ambiguity and error in the clone order. Genomes with good genetic maps, such as Neurospora crassa, provide a means for reducing ambiguities and errors when constructing contig maps if clones can be anchored with genetic markers to the genetic map. A software application called ODS2 for creating contig maps based on clone-clone hybridization data is presented. This application is also designed to exploit partial ordering information provided by anchorage of clones to a genetic map. This information, along with clone-clone hybridization data, is used by a clone ordering algorithm and is represented graphically, allowing users to interactively align physical and genetic maps. ODS2 has a graphical user interface and is implemented entirely in Java, so it runs on multiple platforms. Other features include the flexibility of storing data in a local file or relational database and the ability to create full or minimum tiling contig maps.

Algorithms↗

MAP kinase cascade in astrocytes.

We have studied in cultured rat astroglial cells MAP kinases, known for their role in intracellular signal transduction. The MAP kinase activity was stimulated by growth factors (FGFb, FGFa, EGF, PDGF, and IGF1), by a phorbol ester (TPA) activating-protein kinase C (PKC), by a neuropeptide (endothelin-1), and by a neuromediator (carbachol). Astrocytes pretreated for 18 h with TPA were still stimulated by growth factors and endothelin, suggesting that down-regulated isoforms of PKC are not involved in MAP kinase activation. In contrast, the small effect of carbachol was suppressed by TPA pretreatment. Astrocytes contained two proteins (p41 and p44) recognized by MAP kinase antibody. These proteins were phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in the cytosols of stimulated astrocytes. The kinetics of MAP kinase activation by FGFb and IGF1 were very different. FGFb promoted a rapid activation of MAP kinase (about 10 min) plus a prolonged phase that lasted at least 12 h. IGF1 produced only a rapid transient peak of activation at about 20 min. Hence, extracellular signals might generate different effects in astrocytes by differentially modulating the MAP kinase cascade. On a Mono Q column the growth factor-stimulated MAP kinase activity was separated into two peaks containing p41 and p44. Stimulation of astrocytes altered the elution pattern of p44 as a result of its phosphorylation. An ATP-dependent MAP kinase activator (MW = 40-45 kDa) was found in fractions of FGFb-stimulated cells which were not retained on Mono Q column, indicating the existence of a MAP kinase kinase (MEK) in astrocytes. C-Raf, identified in other cells as a MAP kinase kinase kinase, was also present in astrocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of myocardial ischemia by technetium-99m sestamibi exercise scintigraphy: a new method for change rate mapping.

In order to quantitatively assess the extent and severity of myocardial ischemia by Tc-99m sestamibi exercise myocardial scintigraphy, we developed a new method of change rate (CR) mapping and examined its efficiency. CR was calculated to divide the counts per pixel in the stress polar map by that in the rest polar map at each corresponding pixel. The CR map showed the CR values at each pixel. To correct the differences between the stress and rest images for the dose of Tc-99m sestamibi administered, the mean counts per pixel in the stress polar map and the rest map were adjusted to the same level. Regarding the regions in which the CR value was less than 1 as ischemia, we compared the abilities of the CR map and the polar map to detect coronary artery stenosis in 5 patients with angina pectoris. The sensitivity for coronary artery stenosis was 80% in the CR map, and 40% in the polar map. The specificity for both was 75%. We concluded that the CR map was effective in assessing the extent and severity of myocardial ischemia in Tc-99m sestamibi exercise myocardial scintigraphy.

Adult↗

Comparison of homoeologous group-6 short arm physical maps of wheat and barley reveals a similar distribution of recombinogenic and gene-rich regions.

Eighty two new loci, mapped with 51 DNA clones, were added to the earlier deletion maps of the homoeologous group-6 short arms of hexaploid wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. em Thell., 2n = 6 x = 42, AABBDD). There are now 41, 56 and 52 loci mapped on deletion maps of 6AS, 6BS and 6DS, respectively. The linear order of orthologous loci in all three arms appears to be identical. The majority of the loci are located in the distal one-half of the three arms. There seems to be an increased marker/gene density from the centromeric to the telomeric regions in each arm, and the marker density in comparable physical regions is similar on all three maps. Recombination is not uniformly distributed along the chromosome arms; 60% of recombination occurs in the distal one-third of each arm. Recombination increases from the proximal region to the distal end in a nonlinear pattern. The distribution of loci and recombination along each of the three chromosome arms is highly correlated. Comparison of the 6BS deletion map from this study and a 6HS physical map of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L., 2n = 2 x = 14, HH) reveals a remarkably similar distribution of recombinogenic and gene-rich regions between the two chromosome arms, suggesting that the distribution patterns of genes may be conserved in the homoeologous group-6 chromosome short arms of wheat and barley. A consensus map of wheat group-6 short arms containing 46 orthologous loci was constructed. Comparison of the consensus map with published linkage maps of Triticeae group-6 chromosome short arms indicates that the linear order of the loci on the maps has been largely conserved. Evidence from this study does not support the existence of a 2BS-6BS reciprocal terminal translocation.

Journal Article↗

A genetic linkage map of Guinea yam ( Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) based on AFLP markers.

A genetic linkage map of the tetraploid white yam ( Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) was constructed based on 341 co-dominantly scored amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers segregating in an intraspecific F(1) cross. The F(1) mapping population was produced by crossing a landrace cultivar TDr 93-1 as female parent to a breeding line TDr 87/00211 as the male parent. The marker segregation data were split into maternal and paternal data sets, and separate genetic linkage maps were constructed since the mapping population was an F(1) cross between two presumed heterozygous parents. The markers segregated like a diploid cross-pollinator population suggesting that the D. rotundata genome is an allo-tetraploid (2n = 4 x = 40). The maternal map comprised 155 markers mapped on 12 linkage groups with a total map length of 891 cM. Three linkage groups consisted of maternal parent markers only. The paternal map consisted of 157 markers mapped on 13 linkage groups with a total map length of 852 cM. Three and one quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with effects on resistance to Yam Mosaic Virus (YMV) were identified on the maternal and paternal linkage maps, respectively. Prospects for detecting more QTLs and using marker-assisted selection in white yam breeding appear good, but this is subject to the identification of additional molecular markers to cover more of the genome.

Journal Article↗

A genetic linkage map of water yam ( Dioscorea alata L.) based on AFLP markers and QTL analysis for anthracnose resistance.

A genetic linkage map of the tetraploid water yam ( Dioscorea alata L.) genome was constructed based on 469 co-dominantly scored amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers segregating in an intraspecific F(1) cross. The F(1) was obtained by crossing two improved breeding lines, TDa 95/00328 as female parent and TDa 87/01091 as male parent. Since the mapping population was an F(1) cross between presumed heterozygous parents, marker segregation data from both parents were initially split into maternal and paternal data sets, and separate genetic linkage maps were constructed. Later, data analysis showed that this was not necessary and thus the combined markers from both parents were used to construct a genetic linkage map. The 469 markers were mapped on 20 linkage groups with a total map length of 1,233 cM and a mean marker spacing of 2.62 cM. The markers segregated like a diploid cross-pollinator population suggesting that the water yam genome is allo-tetraploid (2n = 4 x = 40). QTL mapping revealed one AFLP marker E-14/M52-307 located on linkage group 2 that was associated with anthracnose resistance, explaining 10% of the total phenotypic variance. This map covers 65% of the yam genome and is the first linkage map reported for D. alata. The map provides a tool for further genetic analysis of traits of agronomic importance and for using marker-assisted selection in D. alata breeding programmes. QTL mapping opens new avenues for accumulating anthracnose resistance genes in preferred D. alata cultivars.

Journal Article↗