High density molecular linkage maps of the tomato and potato genomes

Genome-wide high-resolution mapping by recurrent intermating using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model

We demonstrate a method for developing populations suitable for genome-wide high-resolution genetic linkage mapping, by recurrent intermating among F2 individuals derived from crosses between homozygous parents. Comparison of intermated progenies to F2 and "recombinant inbred" (RI) populations from the same pedigree corroborate theoretical expectations that progenies intermated for four generations harbor about threefold more information for estimating recombination fraction between closely linked markers than either RI-selfed or F2 individuals (which are, in fact, equivalent in this regard). Although intermated populations are heterozygous, homozygous "intermated recombinant inbred" (IRI) populations can readily be generated, combining additional information afforded by intermating with the permanence of RI populations. Intermated populations permit fine-mapping of genetic markers throughout a genome, helping to bridge the gap between genetic map resolution and the DNA-carrying capacity of modern cloning vectors, thus facilitating merger of genetic and physical maps. Intermating can also facilitate high-resolution mapping of genes and QTLs, accelerating mapbased cloning. Finally, intermated populations will facilitate investigation of other fundamental genetic questions requiring a genome-wide high-resolution analysis, such as comparative mapping of distantly related species, and the genetic basis of heterosis.

Plant disease resistance genes: unravelling how they work

Resistance (R) genes confer on a plant the ability to defend itself following microbial attack. Each R gene exhibits an extreme specificity of action and is only effective against a microbe that has the corresponding functional avirulence (Avr) gene. This article reviews the strategies and experimental approaches deployed to understand the molecular events underlying the specificity of action of various tomato Cf resistance genes that results in incompatibility to the fungal pathogen Cladosporium fulvum. Topics covered include the clustering of Cf genes, the biology of Cf-dependent incompatibility, the map-based and transposon tagging approaches used to clone the Cf-2 and Cf-9 genes, respectively, identification by mutagenesis of other plant loci required for full Cf-9 mediated resistance, the expression of a functional Avr9 gene in planta and its lethal consequences to Cf-9 containing plants, the physiological and molecular host responses to C. fulvum and AVR elicitor challenges and some genetic approaches to ascertain the crucial components of the defense response. Key words: Cladosporium fulvum, Lycopersicon esculentum, tomato leaf mold, Cf resistance genes, fungal avirulence genes, plant defense responses.

The phytochrome gene family in tomato includes a novel subfamily

Data presented here define five tomato phytochrome genes (PHY) and indicate the existence of additional PHY in the tomato genome. Portions of each gene, encoding amino acids 203 through 315 in a consensus amino acid sequence, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Four of these genes, PHYA, PHYB1, PHYB2 and PHYE, are members of previously identified PHY subfamilies, while the fifth, PHYF, is identified as a member of a new PHY subfamily. PHYA, PHYB1, PHYB2 and PHYE fragments encode amino acid sequences that share 88% to 98% sequence identity with their Arabidopsis counterparts. The PHYF fragment, however, encodes a polypeptide that shares only 65% to 74% sequence identity with previously identified Arabidopsis phytochromes. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that PHYF arose soon after, or perhaps prior to, the origin of angiosperms. This analysis leads to the prediction that PHYF might be widespread among angiosperms, including both monocotyledons and dicotyledons. Each of the five tomato PHY is expressed as a transcript of sufficient size to encode a full-length phytochrome apoprotein. Two PHYF transcripts, 4.4 and 4.7 kb in length, have been detected in 9-day-old light-grown seedlings, consistent with either multiple transcription start sites or differential processing. Analyses of genomic Southern blots hybridized with radiolabelled RNA probes derived from the five tomato PHY, as well as Arabidopsis PHYC, indicate that the tomato genome contains as many as 9 to 13 PHY. The tomato PHY family is apparently not only different from, but also larger than, the PHY family presently described for Arabidopsis.

Meiotic recombination break points resolve at high rates at the 5' end of a maize coding sequence

Sequence analysis of recombination break points has defined a 377-bp recombination hot spot within the anthocyanin 1 (a1) gene. One-fifth of all recombination events that occurred within the 140-kb a1-shrunken 2 interval resolved within this 377-bp hot spot. In yeast, meiotic double-strand breaks in chromosomal DNA are thought to initiate recombination and are generally located 5' of coding regions, near transcription promoter sequences. Because the a1 recombination hot spot is located within the 5' transcribed region of the a1 gene, the sites at which recombination events initiate and resolve appear to be different, but both appear to be regulated in relation to transcribed sequences. Although transposon insertions are known to suppress recombination and alter the ratio of crossovers to apparent gene conversions, the Mutator 1 transposon insertion in the a1-mum2 allele does not alter the sites at which recombination events resolve.

Combined mapping of AFLP and RFLP markers in barley

AFLP marker technology allows efficient DNA fingerprinting and the analysis of large numbers of polymorphic restriction fragments on polyacrylamide gels. Using the doubled haploids from the F1 of the cross Proctor x Nudinka, 118 AFLP markers were mapped onto a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) RFLP map, also including five microsatellite and four protein marker loci. The AFLP markers mapped to all parts of the barley chromosomes and filled in the gaps on barley chromosomes 2L, 4L and 6 in which no RFLP loci had been mapped. Interestingly, the AFLP markers seldom interrupted RFLP clusters, but grouped next to them. The combined map covers 1873 cM, with a total of 282 markers. The merging of AFLP and RFLP markers increased the total map length; 402 cM were added to the map at the tips of chromosomes or in regions corresponding to earlier gaps. Another 375 cM resulted from mapping AFLP markers near to RFLP clusters or in between non-clustered RFLP markers.

A genetic linkage map of Theobroma cacao L

A linkage map of the cocoa genome comprising 193 loci has been constructed. These loci consist of 5 isozymes, 101 cDNA/RFLPs, 4 loci from genes of known function, 55 genomic DNA/RFLPs and 28 RAPDs. A population of 100 individuals derived from a cross between two heterozygous genotypes was used. Segregation analyses were performed with the JoinMap program. Ten linkage groups, which putatively correspond to the ten gametic chromosomes of cocoa, were identified. The map covers a total length of 759 cM with a 3.9 cM average distance between 2 markers. A small fraction (9%) of the markers deviated significantly from the expected Mendelian ratios.

Marker enrichment and high-resolution map of the segment of potato chromosome VII harbouring the nematode resistance gene Gro1

The dominant allele Gro1 confers on potato resistance to the root cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis. The Gro1 locus has been mapped to chromosome VII on the genetic map of potato, using RFLP markers. This makes possible the cloning of Gro1 based on its map position. As part of this strategy we have constructed a high-resolution genetic map of the chromosome segment surrounding Gro1, based on RFLP, RAPD and AFLP markers. RAPD and AFLP markers closely linked to Gro1 were selected by bulked segregant analysis and mapped relative to the Gro1 locus in a segregating population of 1105 plants. Three RFLP and one RAPD marker were found to be inseparable from the Gro1 locus. Two AFLP markers were identified that flanked Gro1 at genetic distances of 0.6 cM and 0.8 cM, respectively. A genetic distance of 1 cM in the Gro1 region corresponds to a physical distance of ca. 100 kb as estimated by long-range restriction analysis. Marker-assisted selection for nematode resistance was accomplished in the course of constructing the high-resolution map. Plants carrying the resistance allele Gro1 could be distinguished from susceptible plants by marker assays based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Mapping the genome of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). II. Localization of genes controlling erucic acid synthesis and seed oil content

A F1 microspore-derived DH population, previously used for the development of a rapeseed RFLP map, was analysed for the distribution of erucic acid and seed oil content. A clear three-class segregation for erucic acid content could be observed and the two erucic acid genes of rapeseed were mapped to two different linkage groups on the RFLP map. Although the parents of the segregating DH population showed no significant difference in seed oil content, in the DH population a transgressive segregation in oil content was observed. The segregation closely followed a normal distribution, characteristic of a quantitative trait. Using the program MAPMAKER/QTL, three QTLs for seed oil content could be mapped on three different linkage groups. The additive effects of these QTLs explain about 51% of the phenotypic variation observed for this trait in the DH population. Two of the QTLs for oil content showed a close association in location to the two erucic acid genes, indicating a direct effect of the erucic acid genes on oil content.

An introgression line population of Lycopersicon pennellii in the cultivated tomato enables the identification and fine mapping of yield-associated QTL

Methodologies for mapping of genes underlying quantitative traits have advanced considerably but have not been accompanied by a parallel development of new population structures. We present a novel population consisting of 50 introgression lines (ILs) originating from a cross between the green-fruited species Lycopersicon pennellii and the cultivated tomato (cv M82). Each of the lines contains a single homozygous restriction fragment length polymorphism-defined L. pennellii chromosome segment, and together the lines provide complete coverage of the genome and a set of lines nearly isogenic to M82. A field trial of the ILs and their hybrids revealed at least 23 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for total soluble solids content and 18 for fruit mass; these estimates are twice as high as previously reported estimates based on traditional mapping populations. For finer mapping of a QTL affecting fruit mass, the introgressed segment was recombined into smaller fragments that allowed the identification of three linked loci. At least 16 QTL for plant weight, 22 for percentage green fruit weight, 11 for total yield and 14 for total soluble solids yield were identified. Gene action for fruit and plant characteristics was mainly additive, while overdominance (or pseudo-overdominance) of wild species introgressions was detected for yield.

fw 2.2:a major QTL controlling fruit weight is common to both red- and green-fruited tomato species

We have shown that a major QTL for fruit weight (fw2.2) maps to the same position on chromosome 2 in the green-fruited wild tomato species, Lycopersicon pennellii and in the red-fruited wild tomato species, L. pimpinellifolium. An introgression line F2 derived from L. esculentum (tomato) x L. pennellii and a backcross 1 (BC1) population derived from L. esculentum x L. pimpinellifolium both place fw2.2 near TG91 and TG167 on chromosome 2 of the tomato highdensity linkage map. fw2.2 accounts for 30% and 47% of the total phenotypic variance in the L. pimpinellifolium and L. pennellii populations, respectively, indicating that this is a major QTL controlling fruit weight in both species. Partial dominance (d/a of 0.44) was observed for the L. pennellii allele of fw 2.2 as compared with the L. esculentum allele. A QTL with very similar phenotypic affects and gene action has also been identified and mapped to the same chromosomal region in other wild tomato accessions: L. cheesmanii and L. pimpinellifolium. Together, these data suggest that fw2.2 represents an orthologous QTL (i.e., derived by speciation as opposed to duplication) common to most, if not all, wild tomato species. High-resolution mapping may ultimately lead to the cloning of this key locus controlling fruit development in tomato.

Strategies for targeted transposon tagging of ABA biosynthetic mutants in tomato

The ABA biosynthetic pathway has been studied in detail and the steps impaired in some ABA-deficient mutants are known. However, little is known of the molecular control mechanisms regulating ABA production in planta. A direct route for improving our understanding of these mechanisms is to transposon tag and clone the wild-type counterparts of the ABA mutant alleles. On the basis of the observation that maize transposons move preferentially to linked sites in both homologous and heterologous systems and in doing so disrupt gene function, a targeted transposon mutagenesis strategy is being developed towards cloning ABA biosynthetic genes from tomato. The possibility of using marker genes to identify T-DNA insertion sites in selected parts of the genome has been examined and compared with an inverse PCR/RFLP approach to mapping T-DNAs.

Direct isolation of cDNA sequences from specific chromosomal regions of the tomato genome by the differential display technique

The differential display technique was originally developed for the isolation of differentially expressed genes from eukaryotic tissues. We have adapted this technique for the isolation of cDNA markers from specific regions of the tomato genome. For this purpose, differential display was performed on RNA extracted from leaf tissue of nearly isogenic lines for the Tm-2a gene of tomato. On average, one out of 20 primer combinations resulted in a polymorphism at the cDNA level. When used as hybridization probes, all of these cDNA fragments were single or low copy and all of them were polymorphic on Southern hybridizations using DNA from the isogenic lines. Genetic mapping revealed in each case at least one locus in the introgressed segment on chromosome 9 of tomato. Thus, this technique might provide a way for the direct isolation of transcribed sequences from specific regions of any animal or plant genome for which such lines exist.

A high-resolution map of the vicinity of the R1 locus on chromosome V of potato based on RFLP and AFLP markers

The R1 allele confers on potato a race-specific resistance to Phytophthora infestans. The corresponding genetic locus maps on chromosome V in a region in which several other resistance genes are also located. As part of a strategy for cloning R1, a high-resolution genetic map was constructed for the segment of chromosome V that is bordered by the RFLP loci GP21 and GP179 and includes the R1 locus. Bulked segregant analysis and markers based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP markers) were used to select molecular markers closely linked to R1. Twenty-nine of approximately 3200 informative AFLP loci displayed linkage to the R1 locus. Based on the genotypic analysis of 461 gametes, eight loci mapped within the GP21-GP179 interval. Two of those could not be separated from R1 by recombination. For genotyping large numbers of plants with respect to the flanking markers GP21 and GP179 PCR based assays were also developed which allowed marker-assisted selection of plants with genotypes Rr and rr and of recombinant plants.

An integrated genetic linkage map for eucalypts using RFLP, RAPD and isozyme markers

An integrated genetic linkage map for E. nitens was constructed in an outbred three-generation pedigree. Analysis of 210 RFLP, 125 RAPD and 4 isozyme loci resulted in 330 markers linked in 12 linkage groups covering 1462 cM (n=11 in eucalypts). The 12th linkage group is comprised of only 5 markers and will probably coalesce with another linkage group when further linked loci are located. Co-dominant RFLP loci segregating in both parents were used to integrate linkages identified in the male and female parents. Differences in recombination frequencies in the two parents were observed for a number of pairs of loci, and duplication of sequences was identified both within and between linkage groups. The markers were distributed randomly across the genome except for the RFLPs in linkage group 10 and for some loci showing segregation distortion, which were clustered into three regions of the map. The use of a large number of co-dominant RFLP loci in this map enables it to be used in other pedigrees of E. nitens and forms a basis for the detection and location of QTL in E. nitens and other eucalypt species.

Physical map and organization of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 4

A physical map of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 4 was constructed in yeast artificial chromosome clones and used to analyze the organization of the chromosome. Mapping of the nucleolar organizing region and the centromere integrated the physical and cytogenetic maps. Detailed comparison of physical with genetic distances showed that the frequency of recombination varied substantially, with relative hot and cold spots occurring along the whole chromosome. Eight repeated DNA sequence families were found in a complex arrangement across the centromeric region and nowhere else on the chromosome.

Comparison of wheat physical maps with barley linkage maps for group 7 chromosomes

Comparative genetic maps among the Triticeae or Gramineae provide the possibility for combining the genetics, mapping information and molecular-marker resources between different species. Dense genetic linkage maps of wheat and barley, which have a common array of molecular markers, along with deletion-based chromosome maps of Triticum aestivum L. will facilitate the construction of an integrated molecular marker-based map for the Triticeae. A set of 21 cDNA and genomic DNA clones, which had previously been used to map barley chromosome 1 (7H), were used to physically map wheat chromosomes 7A, 7B and 7D. A comparative map was constructed to estimate the degree of linkage conservation and synteny of chromosome segments between the group 7 chromosomes of the two species. The results reveal extensive homoeologies between these chromosomes, and the first evidence for an interstitial inversion on the short arm of a barley chromosome compared to the wheat homoeologue has been obtained. In a cytogenetically-based physical map of group 7 chromosomes that contain restriction-fragment-length polymorphic DNA (RFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, the marker density in the most distal third of the chromosome arms was two-times higher than in the proximal region. The recombination rate in the distal third of each arm appears to be 8-15 times greater than in the proximal third of each arm where recombination of wheat chromosomes is suppressed.

Distribution of unlinked transpositions of a Ds element from a T-DNA locus on tomato chromosome 4

In maize, receptor sites for unlinked transpositions of Activator (Ac) elements are not distributed randomly. To test whether the same is true in tomato, the receptor sites for a Dissociation (Ds) element derived from Ac, were mapped for 26 transpositions unlinked to a donor T-DNA locus on chromosome 4. Four independent transposed Dss mapped to sites on chromosome 4 genetically unlinked to the donor T-DNA, consistent with a preference for transposition to unlinked sites on the same chromosome as opposed to sites on other chromosomes. There was little preference among the nondonor chromosomes, except perhaps for chromosome 2, which carried seven transposed Dss, but these could not be proven to be independent. However, these data, when combined with those from other studies in tomato examining the distribution of transposed Acs or Dss among nondonor chromosomes, suggest there may be absolute preferences for transposition irrespective of the chromosomal location of the donor site. If true, transposition to nondonor chromosomes in tomato would differ from that in maize, where the preference seems to be determined by the spatial arrangement of chromosomes in the interphase nucleus. The tomato lines carrying Ds elements at known locations are available for targeted transposon tagging experiments.

A molecular marker based linkage map of Vitis

Genetic linkage maps of Vitis (2n = 38) have been constructed from a single interspecific hybrid grape population (60 seedlings) of 'Cayuga White' X 'Aurore'. The maps were primarily based on 422 RAPD markers but also included 16 RFLP and isozyme markers. These maps had an average distance of 6.1 cM between markers and were developed using a double-pseudotestcross strategy. The 'Cayuga White' map had 214 markers covering 1196 cM and that of 'Aurore' spanned over 1477 cM with 225 markers. The 'Cayuga White' map consisted of 20 linkage groups, whereas 22 linkage groups comprised the 'Aurore' map. The number of groups reduced to 19, as in some instances two or more groups from one parent showed homology with a single group from the other parent on the basis of markers heterozygous in both parents. Each linkage group ranged in size from 14 to 135 cM in 'Aurore' and from 14 to 124 cM in 'Cayuga White'. These maps provide enough coverage of the genome to allow quantitative trait locus analysis and map-based gene cloning.

Mapping a new nematode resistance locus in Lycopersicon peruvianum

Accessions of the wild tomato species L. peruvianum were screened with a root-knot nematode population (557R) which infects tomato plants carrying the nematode resistance gene Mi. Several accessions were found to carry resistance to 557R. A L. peruvianum backcross population segregating for resistance to 557R was produced. The segregation ratio of resistant to susceptible plants suggested that a single, dominant gene was a major factor in the new resistance. This gene, which we have designated Mi-3, confers resistance against nematode strains that can infect plants carrying Mi. Mi-3, or a closely linked gene, also confers resistance to nematodes at 32°C, a temperature at which Mi is not effective. Bulked-segregant analysis with resistant and susceptible DNA pools was employed to identify RAPD markers linked to this gene. Five-hundred-and-twenty oligonucleotide primers were screened and two markers linked to the new resistance gene were identified. One of the linked markers (NR14) was mapped to chromosome 12 of tomato in an L. esculentum/L. pennellii mapping population. Linkage of NR14 and Mi-3 with RFLP markers known to map on the short arm of chromosome 12 was confirmed by Southern analysis in the population segregating for Mi-3. We have positioned Mi-3 near RFLP marker TG180 which maps to the telomeric region of the short arm of chromosome 12 in tomato.

Hybrid speciation. Evolution under the microscope

Detailed genetic maps of three related sunflower species support the view that one species originated relatively recently from the other two by hybrid speciation, providing the first good evidence for this theory of speciation.

Genes from Lycopersicon chmielewskii affecting tomato quality during fruit ripening

Three chromosomal segments from the wild tomato, L. chmielewskii, introgressed into the L. esculentum genome have been previously mapped to the middle and terminal regions of chromosome 7 (7M, 7T respectively), and to the terminal region of chromosome 10 (10T). The present study was designed to investigate the physiological mechanisms controlled by the 7M and 7T segments on tomato soluble solids (SS) and pH, and their genetic regulation during fruit development. The effects of 7M and 7T were studied in 64 BC2F5 backcross inbred lines (BILs) developed from a cross between LA 1501 (an L. esculentum line containing the 7M and 7T fragments from L. chmielewskii), and VF145B-7879 (a processing cultivar). BILs were classified into four homozygous genotypes with respect to the introgressed segments based on RFLP analysis, and evaluated for fruit chemical characteristics at different harvest stages. Gene(s) in the 7M fragment reduce fruit water uptake during ripening increasing pH, sugars, and SS concentration. Gene(s) in the 7T fragment were found to be associated with higher mature green fruit starch concentration and red ripe fruit weight. Comparisons between tomatoes ripened on or off the vine suggest that the physiological mechanisms influenced by the L. chmielewskii alleles are dependent on the translocation of photosynthates and water during fruit ripening.

Molecular genetic analysis of the ripening-inhibitor and non-ripening loci of tomato: a first step in genetic map-based cloning of fruit ripening genes

Ripening represents a complex developmental process unique to plants. We are using tomato fruit ripening mutants as tools to understand the regulatory components that control and coordinate the physiological and biochemical changes which collectively confer the ripe phenotype. We have genetically characterized two loci which result in significant inhibition of the ripening process in tomato, ripening-inhibitor (rin), and non-ripening (nor), as a first step toward isolating genes likely to encode key regulators of this developmental process. A combination of pooled-sample mapping as well as classical restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis has permitted the construction of high-density genetic maps for the regions of chromosomes 5 and 10 spanning the rin and nor loci, respectively. To assess the feasibility of initiating a chromosome walk, physical mapping of high molecular weight genomic DNA has been employed to estimate the relationship between physical distance (in kb) and genetic distance (in cM) around the targeted loci. Based on this analysis, the relationship in the region spanning the rin locus is estimated to be 200-300 kb/cM, while the nor locus region ratio is approximately 200 kb/1 cM. Using RFLP markers tightly linked to rin and nor, chromosome walks have been initiated to both loci in a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) library of tomato genomic DNA. We have isolated and characterized several YAC clones linked to each of the targeted ripening loci and present genetic evidence that at least one YAC clone contains the nor locus.

A genetic map of potato (Solanum tuberosum) integrating molecular markers, including transposons, and classical markers

A genetic map of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) integrating molecular markers with morphological and isozyme markers was constructed using a backcross population of 67 diploid potato plants. A general method for map construction is described that differs from previous methods employed in potato and other outbreeding plants. First, separate maps for the female and male parents were constructed. The female map contained 132 markers, whereas the male map contained 138 markers. Second, on the basis of the markers in common the two integrated parental maps were combined into one with the computer programme JoinMap. This combined map consisted of 175 molecular markers, 10 morphological markers and 8 isozyme markers. Ninety-two of the molecular markers were derived from DNA sequences flanking either T-DNA inserts in potato or reintegrated maize transposable elements originating from these T-DNA constructs. Clusters of distorted segregation were found on chromosomes 1,2,8 and 11 for the male parent and chromosome 5 for both parents. The total length of the combined map is 1120 cM.

Effects of the Lycopersicon chmielewskii sucrose accumulator gene (sucr) on fruit yield and quality parameters following introgression into tomato

A gene controlling fruit sucrose accumulation, sucr, was introgressed from the wild tomato species Lycopersicon chmielewskii into the genetic background of a hexose-accumulating cultivated tomato, L. esculentum. During introgression, the size of the L. chmielewskii chromosomal segment containing sucr was reduced by selection for recombination between RFLP markers for the sucr gene and flanking loci. The effects of sucr on soluble solids content, fruit size, yield and other fruit parameters were studied in the genetic background of the processing tomato cultivar 'Huntl00'. In a segregating BC5F2 generation, the smallest introgression containing sucr-associated markers was necessary and sufficient to confer high-level sucrose accumulation, the effects of which were completely recessive. Fruit of sucr/sucr genotypes were smaller than those of +/sucr or +/+ genotypes at all stages of development. The timing of sugar accumulation and total sugar concentration were unaffected by sugar composition. No differences in total fruit biomass (fresh weight of red and green fruit) at harvest were observed between the genotypes, and sucrose accumulators produced greater numbers of fruit than hexose accumulators in one family. However, the proportion of ripe fruit at harvest, and hence yield of ripe fruit, as well as average ripe fruit weight and seed set were reduced in sucr/sucr genotypes. Sucrose accumulation was also associated with increased soluble solids content, consistency, serum viscosity, predicted paste yield and acidity, and decreased color rating. In the first backcross to L. chmielewskii, hexose accumulators (+/sucr) had larger fruit than sucrose accumulators (sucr/sucr), while no difference in soluble solids was detected.

Introgression into tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) of the L. chmielewskii sucrose accumulator gene (sucr) controlling fruit sugar composition

High sucrose concentration in fruit of Lycopersicon chmielewskii is governed by the recessive sucrose accumulator gene (sucr) that is situated in the pericentromeric region of chromosome 3. The sucr gene was introgressed into the genetic background of the hexose-accumulating cultivated tomato (L. esculentum cv 'Hunt 100') by marker-assisted selection using tightly linked RFLP markers and a tomato acid invertase cDNA as probes for sucr. RFLP mapping indicated that the segment containing sucr comprised over 43.2 cM in the BC1F2 generation, representing over one-third of the total length of chromosome 3. By selecting for crossovers between sucr and the flanking visual marker r (yellow fruit flesh) and RFLP marker TG288, we were able to reduce the size of the sucr introgression fragment to 0.8-7.1 cM by the BC5 generation. Smaller recombinant fragments were not obtained despite screening a large BC6F2 population. The smallest sucr introgression reduced recombination between the flanking visual markers sy (sunny) and bls (baby lea syndrome) by 38%. To facilitate future introgression and recombination experiments, a PCR-based test for the sucr gene was developed using primers specific to the tomato invertase gene. This assay takes advantage of a small deletion that maps to the second intron of the L. chmielewskii nvertase gene. The assay detected significant allelic variation both within and between hexose- and sucrose-accumulating Lycopersicon spp.

Identification and chromosomal distribution of DNA sequence segments conserved since divergence of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

DNA sequence segments conserved since divergence of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were identified, using the GenBank sequence database. Chromosomal locations of the conserved segments were compared between the two bacteria, and the following three features were observed. (1) Although the two genomes are nearly identical in size, chromosomal arrangements of the conserved segments are considerably different from each other. (2) In many cases, chromosomal locations of a conserved segment in the two species have deviated from each other by a multiple of 60 degrees. (3) There are many instances in which a contiguous segment in one genome is split into two or more segments located at distinct positions in the other genome, and these split segments were found to tend to lie on the E. coli or B. subtilis genome separated by distances of multiples of 60 degrees. On the basis of these observations, genome organizations of the two bacteria were discussed in terms of genome doublings as well as random chromosomal rearrangements.

Quantitative trait locus analysis of a recombinant inbred line population derived from a Lycopersicon esculentum x Lycopersicon cheesmanii cross

Quantitative trait loci influencing fruit traits were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in a population of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross of the cultivated tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum with a related wild species Lycopersicon cheesmanii. One hundred thirty-two polymorphic RFLP loci spaced throughout the tomato genome were scored for 97 F8 RIL families. Fruit weight and soluble solids were measured in replicated trials during 1991 and 1992. Seed weight was measured in 1992. Significant (P<0.01 level) quantitative trait locus (QTL) associations of marker loci were identified for each trait. A total of 73 significant marker locus-trait associations were detected for the three traits measured. Fifty-three of these associations were for fruit weight and soluble solids, many of which involved marker loci signficantly associated with both traits. QTL with large effects on all three traits were detected on chromosome 6. Greater homozygosity at many loci in the RIL population as compared to F2 populations and greater genomic coverage resulted in increased precision in the estimation of QTL effects, and large proportions of the total phenotypic variance were explained by marker class variation at significant marker loci for many traits. The RIL population was effective in detecting and discriminating among QTL for these traits previously identified in other investigations despite skewed segregation ratios at many marker loci. Large additive effects were measured at significant marker loci. Lower fruit weight, higher soluble solids, and lower seed weight were generally associated with RFLP alleles from theL. cheesmanii parent.

Genomic analysis in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). Comparison of two RAPD maps using selfed and open-pollinated seeds of the same individual

Two genomic maps were constructed for one individual tree of maritime pine, Pinus pinaster Ait., using a common set of 263 RAPD markers (random amplified polymorphic DNA). The RAPD markers were chosen from a larger number of polymorphic RAPD fragments on the basis of repeatability and inheritance in a three-generation pedigree. The maps were constructed from two independent mapping samples of 62 megagametophytes (In) from a self cross and from an open-pollinated cross. The markers were grouped (LOD≥4; θ≤0.25) and assigned to 13 major and 5 minor linkage groups. Two framework maps were constructed using the ordering criterion of interval support≥3. Comparison of the two framework maps suggested that the locus order was incorrect for 2% of the framework markers. A bootstrap analysis showed that this error rate was representative for our data set. The results showed that framework maps constructed using RAPD markers were repeatable and that differences in locus order for maps of different genotypes or species could result from chance. The total map distance was 1380 cM, and the map provided coverage of approximately 90% of the genome.

Suppression of recombination in wide hybrids of Petunia hybrida as revealed by genetic mapping of marker transgenes

In the course of a heterologous transposon tagging experiment in Petunia hybrida (n=7), 135 independent T-DNA loci were tested for linkage to the target genes Hf1 and Fl, which are located on the two largest chromosomes. Approximately one-third (47) of these T-DNA loci were linked to one of these two markers. Of these 47 linkedloci, 19 mapped within 1 cM of its marker, indicating a highly non-random genetic distribution of introduced loci. However, rather than non-random integration within both of the marked chromosomes, this probably reflects a suppression of recombination around these marker loci in the particular wide hybrids used for mapping. This hypothesis was tested by measuring recombination between linked T-DNAs in an inbred background. Inbred recombination levels were found to be at least 3-fold higher around the Hf1 locus and 12-fold higher around Fl compared to the wide hybrids. These findings may reflect the origin of P. hybrida by hybridization of wild species, and while relevant to genetic mapping in petunia in particular they may also have more general significance for any mapping strategies involving the use of wide hybrids in other species.

Inheritance and genetic mapping of resistance to Alternaria alternata f. sp. lycopersici in Lycopersicon pennellii

The fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata f. sp. lycopersici produces AAL-toxins that function as chemical determinants of the Alternaria stem canker disease in the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). In resistant cultivars, the disease is controlled by the Asc locus on chromosome 3. Our aim was to characterize novel sources of resistance to the fungus and of insensitivity to the host-selective AAL-toxins. To that end, the degree of sensitivity of wild tomato species to AAL-toxins was analyzed. Of all members of the genus Lycopersicon, only L. cheesmanii was revealed to be sensitive to AAL-toxins and susceptible to fungal infection. Besides moderately insensitive responses from some species, L. pennellii and L. peruvianum were shown to be highly insensitive to AAL-toxins as well as resistant to the pathogen. Genetic analyses showed that high insensitivity to AAL-toxins from L. pennellii is inherited in tomato as a single complete dominant locus. This is in contrast to the incomplete dominance of insensitivity to AAL-toxins of L. esculentum. Subsequent classical genetics, RFLP mapping and allelic testing indicated that high insensitivity to AAL-toxins from L. pennellii is conferred by a new allele of the Asc locus.

A survey of DNA polymorphism within the genus Capsicum and the fingerprinting of pepper cultivars

Interspecific genetic variation was examined in the genus Capsicum based on shared restriction fragments in Southern analyses. Four distinct clusters were delineated among 21 accessions of cultivated and wild pepper (C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chacoense, C. chinense, and C. frutescens). Three tight clusters comprised of accessions belonging to C. annuum, C. frutescens, and C. baccatum, respectively, were formed, along with a fourth cluster comprised of one accession each of C. chinense and C. chacoense. All accessions were differentiated by this technique, and the clusters corresponded closely to previous morphology-based classification. Sufficient DNA polymorphism exists among these accessions that segregating populations useful for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) mapping could be constructed using any two pepper accessions as parents. Regression analysis indicates that genetic distance is a good predictor (R2 = 0.872) of the level of mappable DNA polymorphism in Capsicum. Intraspecific variability was examined among four C. annuum cultivars (NuMex R Naky, Jupiter, Perennial, and Criollo de Morelos 334) using both RFLPs and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs), allowing a comparative evaluation of the two techniques. Seventeen percent of the clones used singly in RFLP analyses were sufficient for the differentiation of these varieties, as were 12.5% of the RAPD PCR amplifications. Dendrograms constructed from RFLP and RAPD analyses of the intraspecific data are similar but not identical. Southern analysis and RAPD PCR should be useful for DNA fingerprinting and the discrimination of closely related C. annuum genotypes.

The tomato Never-ripe locus regulates ethylene-inducible gene expression and is linked to a homolog of the Arabidopsis ETR1 gene

Fruit ripening represents a complex system of genetic and hormonal regulation of eukaryotic development unique to plants. We are using tomato ripening mutants as tools to elucidate genetic components of ripening regulation and have recently demonstrated that the Never-ripe (Nr) mutant is insensitive to the plant growth regulator ethylene (M.B. Lanahan, H.-C. Yen, J.J. Giovannoni, H.J. Klee [1994] Plant Cell 6:521-530). We report here ethylene sensitivity over a range of concentrations in normal and Nr tomato seedlings and show that the Nr mutant retains residual sensitivity to as little as 1 part per million of ethylene. Analysis of ripening-related gene expression in normal and mutant ethylene-treated fruit demonstrates that Nr exerts its influence on development at least in part at the level of ethylene-inducible gene expression. We have additionally used cloned tomato and Arabidopsis sequences known to influence ethylene perception as restriction fragment length polymorphism probes, and have identified a tomato locus linked to Nr that hybridizes to the Arabidopsis ETR1 gene at low stringency, suggesting the possibility that Nr may be homologous to ETR1.

Genetic and physical mapping of the lateral suppressor (ls) locus in tomato

Tomato plants homozygous for the recessive lateral suppressor (ls) mutation show a number of phenotypic abnormalities among which the lack of lateral meristem initiation during vegetative growth and the absence of petals on the flower are the most prominent. As a first step towards the isolation of the Ls gene by means of map-based cloning, we have determined its position on the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) map of tomato. RFLP analysis of 527 F2 plants segregating for the ls allele allowed us to define an interval of 0.8 cM in which the Ls gene is located. Analysis of the physical distance between the two flanking RFLP markers by pulsed field gel electrophoresis revealed that they lie no further than 375 kb apart. Knowledge of the physical distance together with the availability of a tomato yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) library, makes it feasible to isolate the Ls gene by a map-based cloning approach.

Mapping the Sw-5 locus for tomato spotted wilt virus resistance in tomatoes using RAPD and RFLP analyses

The Sw-5 locus confers dominant resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). To map the location and facilitate the identification of markers linked to Sw-5 we developed a pair of near-isogenic lines (NILs) and an F2 Lycopersicon esculentum x L. pennellii population segregating for resistance to TSWV. DNA from the NILs was analyzed using 748 random 10-mer oligonucleotides to discern linked molecular markers using a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) approach. One random primer (GAGCACGGGA) was found to produce a RAPD band of about 2200 bp that demonstrates linkage to Sw-5. Data from co-segregation of resistance and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in a F2 interspecific population position Sw-5 between the markers CT71 and CT220 near the telomere of the long arm of chromosome 9.

A nonparametric approach for mapping quantitative trait loci

Genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is performed typically by using a parametric approach, based on the assumption that the phenotype follows a normal distribution. Many traits of interest, however, are not normally distributed. In this paper, we present a nonparametric approach to QTL mapping applicable to any phenotypic distribution. The method is based on a statistic ZW, which generalizes the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test to the situation of whole-genome search by interval mapping. We determine the appropriate significance level for the statistic ZW, by showing that its asymptotic null distribution follows an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. These results provide a robust, distribution-free method for mapping QTLs.

Localization of genes for bacterial canker resistance in Lycopersicon peruvianum using RFLPs

A backcross population of the L. peruvianum accession LA 2157, which is resistant to bacterial canker caused by Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis, with the susceptible L. peruvianum accession LA 2172 was evaluated for the segregation of C. michiganenis resistance and of RFLP markers in order to map the loci involved in this resistance. The development of symptoms of the disease was scored using an ordinal scale. The mapping of the disease resistance was hampered by distorted segregation ratios of a large number of markers and unexpected quantitative inheritance of the resistance. By means of the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, five regions on chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 8 and 10 were identified that may be involved in C. michiganensis resistance.

Linkage map of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, based on RAPD markers

A linkage map was constructed for the honey bee based on the segregation of 365 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers in haploid male progeny of a single female bee. The X locus for sex determination and genes for black body color and malate dehydrogenase were mapped to separate linkage groups. RAPD markers were very efficient for mapping, with an average of about 2.8 loci mapped for each 10-nucleotide primer that was used in polymerase chain reactions. The mean interval size between markers on the map was 9.1 cM. The map covered 3110 cM of linked markers on 26 linkage groups. We estimate the total genome size to be approximately 3450 cM. The size of the map indicated a very high recombination rate for the honey bee. The relationship of physical to genetic distance was estimated at 52 kb/cM, suggesting that map-based cloning of genes will be feasible for this species.

Recombinant inbred lines for genetic mapping in tomato

A cross between the cultivated tomato Lycopersicon esculentum and a related wild species L. cheesmanii yielded 97 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) which were used to construct a genetic map consisting of 132 molecular markers. Significant deviation from the expected 1:1 ratio between the two homozygous classes was found in 73% of the markers. In 98% of the deviating markers, L. esculentum alleles were present in greater frequency than the L. cheesmanii alleles. For most of the markers with skewed segregation, the direction of the deviation was maintained from F2 to F7 generations. The average heterozygosity in the population was 15%. This value is significantly greater than the 1.5% heterozygosity expected for RILs in the F7 generation. On average, recombination between linked markers was twice as high in the RILs than in the F2 population used to derive them. The utility of RILs for the mapping of qualitative and quantitative traits is discussed.

Identification of RAPD markers linked to the Tm-2 locus in tomato

Tm-2 and Tm-2a are genes conferring resistance to tomato mosaic virus in Lycopersicon esculentum. They are allelic and originated from different lines of L. peruvianum, a wild relative of tomato. In this study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers linked to these genes were screened in nearly isogenic lines (NILs). To detect RAPDs differentiating NILs, 220 different 10-base oligonucleotide primers were examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and 43 of them generated 53 consistent polymorphic fragments among the NILs. Out of these 53 fragments, 13 were arbitrarily chosen and examined in respect of whether they were linked to the netted virescent (nv) gene, since nv is tightly linked to the Tm-2 locus and its phenotype is more easily distinguishable. As a result, all 13 markers were shown to be linked to nv, and hence to the Tm-2 locus. Among them, two fragments specific to the NIL carrying Tm-2 three specific to the NIL carrying Tm-2a, and four specific to both of these NILs were closely linked to nv.

Construction of a genetic linkage map in celery using DNA-based markers

A F2population of two celery cultivated types (Apium graveolens L. var. rapaceum and A. graveolens L. var. secalinum) was used to construct a linkage map consisting of 29 RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism), 100 RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA), four isozyme, one disease resistance, and one growth habit markers. The map contains 11 major groups and 9 small groups and has a total length of 803 cM with an average distance of 6.4 cM between two adjacent loci. Ten percent of the RAPDs segregated as codominant markers and their allelic homologies were tested by Southern hybridization. One-quarter of the dominant RAPDs were linked in repulsion phase, whereas the majority of them were linked to either codominant or dominant markers in coupling phase. About 10% of the markers showed significant segregation distortion. The detectable level of duplications in the celery genome was relatively low.Key words: Apium graveolens, RFLP, RAPD, linkage map.

Chromosome landing: a paradigm for map-based gene cloning in plants with large genomes

The original concept behind map-based or positional cloning was to find a DNA marker linked to a gene of interest, and then to 'walk' to the gene via overlapping clones (e.g. cosmids or YACs). While chromosome walking is straightforward in organisms with small genomes, it is difficult to apply in most plant species, which typically have large, complex genomes. The strategy of chromosome walking is based on the assumption that it is difficult and time consuming to find DNA markers that are physically close to a gene of interest. Recent technological developments invalidate this assumption for many species. As a result, the mapping paradigm has now changed such that one first isolates one or more DNA marker(s) at a physical distance from the targeted gene that is less than the average insert size of the genomic library being used for clone isolation. The DNA marker is then used to screen the library and isolate (or 'land' on) the clone containing the gene, without any need for chromosome walking and its associated problems. Chromosome landing, together with the technology that has made it possible, is likely to become the main strategy by which map-based cloning is applied to isolate both major genes and genes underlying quantitative traits in plant species.

Stable transformation of tomato cell cultures after bombardment with plasmid and YAC DNA

Stable transformants were obtained after microprojectile particle bombardment of tomato cell suspensions (Lycopersicon esculentum cv VFNT Cherry and L. pennellii). The suspensions were bombarded with tungsten particles coated with either plasmid (∼6.3 kb) or yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) (80 kb) DNA containing the ß-glucuronidase (GUS) and neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) genes. The YAC DNA contained an insert of approximately 50 kb of DNA from VFNT Cherry. L. pennellii suspensions were more amenable to transformation than VFNT Cherry; more kanamycin-resistant calli were recovered from L. pennelli after bombardment with plasmid DNA, and only L. pennellii cells produced transformants after bombardment with YAC DNA. DNA gel blot analysis confirmed the presence of the nptll and GUS genes. This analysis also confirmed the integration of YAC DNA into the genome of the kanamycin-resistant calli and suggested that the level of intactness of the integrated YAC DNA was fairly high in four of the five transformants examined. Microprojectile bombardment of regenerable cultures with YACs may ultimately aid in map-based cloning of agriculturally-important genes.

Mapping the genome of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). I. Construction of an RFLP linkage map and localization of QTLs for seed glucosinolate content

A linkage map of the rapeseed genome comprising 204 RFLP markers, 2 RAPD markers, and 1 phenotypic marker was constructed using a F1 derived doubled haploid population obtained from a cross between the winter rapeseed varieties 'Mansholt's Hamburger Raps' and 'Samourai'. The mapped markers were distributed on 19 linkage groups covering 1441 cM. About 43% of these markers proved to be of dominant nature; 36% of the mapped marker loci were duplicated, and conserved linkage arrangements indicated duplicated regions in the rapeseed genome. Deviation from Mendelian segregation ratios was observed for 27.8% of the markers. Most of these markers were clustered in 7 large blocks on 7 linkage groups, indicating an equal number of effective factors responsible for the skewed segregations. Using cDNA probes for the genes of acyl-carrier-protein (ACP) and β-ketoacyl-ACP-synthase I (KASI) we were able to map three and two loci, respectively, for these genes. The linkage map was used to localize QTLs for seed glucosinolate content by interval mapping. Four QTLs could be mapped on four linkage groups, giving a minimum number of factors involved in the genetic control of this trait. The estimated effects of the mapped QTLs explain about 74% of the difference between both parental lines and about 61.7 % of the phenotypic variance observed in the doubled haploid mapping population.

Isolation and characterization of the tomato homeobox gene THOM1

We have screened a cDNA library prepared from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. VFNT Cherry) shoot tips for homeobox-containing clones. The isolated cDNA clone THOM1 (tomato homeobox gene 1) contains a homeobox, a leucine zipper motif and and an acidic region. These features support the hypothesis that the THOM1 gene product acts as a transcriptional activator. THOM1 is highly expressed in the vegetative shoot apical meristem, the floral meristem and axillary meristems. Young derivatives of these meristems show similar levels of THOM1 transcripts which decrease with increasing age of the respective tissue. The THOM1 gene is located in the centromere region of chromosome 1 and belongs to a small gene family of the tomato genome.

Nuclear DNA content of Vitis species, cultivars, and other genera of the Vitaceae

The nuclear DNA content was analyzed in Vitis species, hybrid cultivars, and genera of the Vitaceae using flow cytometry. Significant variation was found among Vitis species, hybrids, and other genera of the Vitaceae (Ampelopsis and Parthenocissus). DNA content was estimated to range from 0.98 to 1.05 pg/2C within V. labrusca (ns) and 0.86 to 1.00 pg/2C within V. vinifera (ns). Genotypes from Vitis and Parthenocissus were similar in nuclear DNA content (approximately 1.00 pg/2C) whereas they differed significantly from Ampelopsis (1.39 pg/2C). No correlation between DNA content and the center of origin of genotypes of the Vitaceae was noted. Based on the present study, the Vitis genome size is 475 Mbp, 96% of which is non-coding. Knowledge of DNA content is useful in order to understand the complexity of the Vitis genome and to establish a relationship between the genetic and physical map for map-based cloning.