RFLP Mapping in Wheat — Progress and Problems. In: Gustafson JP, editor. Gene Manipulation in Plant Improvement II. Boston: Springer US; 1990. pp. 353-63. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4684-7047-5_19]

Genetic association of OPR genes with resistance to Hessian fly in hexaploid wheat

BACKGROUND

Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) is one of the most destructive pests of wheat. The genes encoding 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase (OPR) and lipoxygenase (LOX) play critical roles in insect resistance pathways in higher plants, but little is known about genes controlling resistance to Hessian fly in wheat.

RESULTS

In this study, 154 F6:8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) generated from a cross between two cultivars, 'Jagger' and '2174' of hexaploid wheat (2n = 6 × =42; AABBDD), were used to map genes associated with resistance to Hessian fly. Two QTLs were identified. The first one was a major QTL on chromosome 1A (QHf.osu-1A), which explained 70% of the total phenotypic variation. The resistant allele at this locus in cultivar 2174 could be orthologous to one or more of the previously mapped resistance genes (H9, H10, H11, H16, and H17) in tetraploid wheat. The second QTL was a minor QTL on chromosome 2A (QHf.osu-2A), which accounted for 18% of the total phenotypic variation. The resistant allele at this locus in 2174 is collinear to an Yr17-containing-fragment translocated from chromosome 2N of Triticum ventricosum (2n = 4 × =28; DDNN) in Jagger. Genetic mapping results showed that two OPR genes, TaOPR1-A and TaOPR2-A, were tightly associated with QHf.osu-1A and QHf.osu-2A, respectively. Another OPR gene and three LOX genes were mapped but not associated with Hessian fly resistance in the segregating population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has located two major QTLs/genes in bread wheat that can be directly used in wheat breeding programs and has also provided insights for the genetic association and disassociation of Hessian fly resistance with OPR and LOX genes in wheat.

A genetic map constructed using a doubled haploid population derived from two elite Chinese common wheat varieties

Genetic mapping provides a powerful tool for the analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) at the genomic level. Herein, we report a new genetic linkage map developed from an F(1)-derived doubled haploid (DH) population of 168 lines, which was generated from the cross between two elite Chinese common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, Huapei 3 and Yumai 57. The map contained 305 loci, represented by 283 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 22 expressed sequence tag (EST)-SSR markers, which covered a total length of 2141.7 cM with an average distance of 7.02 cM between adjacent markers on the map. The chromosomal locations and map positions of 22 new SSR markers were determined, and were found to distribute on 14 linkage groups. Twenty SSR loci showed different chromosomal locations from those reported in other maps. Therefore, this map offers new information on the SSR markers of wheat. This genetic map provides new opportunities to detect and map QTLs controlling agronomically important traits. The unique features of this map are discussed.

An integrated molecular linkage map of diploid wheat based on a Triticum boeoticum x T. monococcum RIL population

Diploid A genome species of wheat harbour immense variability for biotic stresses and productivity traits, and these could be transferred efficiently to hexaploid wheat through marker assisted selection, provided the target genes are tagged at diploid level first. Here we report an integrated molecular linkage map of A genome diploid wheat based on 93 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from Triticum boeoticum x Triticum monococcum inter sub-specific cross. The parental lines were analysed with 306 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 194 RFLP markers, including 66 bin mapped ESTs. Out of 306 SSRs tested for polymorphism, 74 (24.2%) did not show amplification (null) in both the parents. Overall, 171 (73.7%) of the 232 remaining SSR and 98 (50.5%) of the 194 RFLP markers were polymorphic. Both A and D genome specific SSR markers showed similar transferability to A genome of diploid wheat species. The 176 polymorphic markers, that were assayed on a set of 93 RILs, yielded 188 polymorphic loci and 177 of these as well as two additional morphological traits mapped on seven linkage groups with a total map length of 1,262 cM, which is longer than most of the available A genome linkage maps in diploid and hexaploid wheat. About 58 loci showed distorted segregation with majority of these mapping on chromosome 2A(m). With a few exceptions, the position and order of the markers was similar to the ones in other maps of the wheat A genome. Chromosome 1A(m) of T. monococcum and T. boeoticum showed a small paracentric inversion relative to the A genome of hexaploid wheat. The described linkage map could be useful for gene tagging, marker assisted gene introgression from diploid into hexaploid wheat as well as for map based cloning of genes from diploid A genome species and orthologous genes from hexaploid wheat.

Comparison of genetic and physical maps of group 7 chromosomes from Triticum aestivum L

We present a high density physical map of homoeologous group 7 chromosomes from Triticum aestivum L. using a series of 54 deletion lines, 6 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and 91 cDNA or genomic DNA clones from wheat, barley and oat. So far, 51 chromosome segments have been distinguished by molecular markers, and 54 homoeoloci have been allocated among chromosomes 7A, 7B and 7D. The linear order of molecular markers along the chromosomes is almost identical in the A- B- and D-genome of wheat. In addition, there is colinearity between the physical and genetic maps of chromosomes 7A, 7B and 7D from T. aestivum, indicating gene synteny among the Triticeae. However, comparison of the physical map of chromosome 7D from T. aestivum with the genetic map from Triticum tauschii some markers have been shown to be physically allocated with distortion in more distal chromosome regions. The integration of genetic and physical maps could assist in estimating the frequency and distribution of recombination in defined regions along the chromosome. Physical distance did not correlate with genetic distance. A dense map facilitates the detection of multiple rearrangements. We present the first evidence for an interstitial inversion either on chromosome arm 7AS or 7DS of Chinese Spring. Molecularly tagged chromosome regions (MTCRs) provide landmarks for long-range mapping of DNA fragments.

Genetic diversity in European wheat and spelt breeding material based on RFLP data

Fifty-two winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), nine spring wheat, and 20 spelt (Triticum spelta L.) lines representing part of the European breeding germplasm, were assayed for RFLPs (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) with 56 wheat DNA clones and two barley cDNA clones. Objectives of this study were to (1) determine the level of variation for RFLPs in the wheat and spelt breeding lines, (2) characterize the genetic diversity within the European winter wheat germplasm, and (3) evaluate the usefulness of RFLP markers for pedigree analysis and the grouping of wheat and spelt lines of various origins. Seventy-three of the 166 RFLP loci detected with 58 probes and one restriction enzyme were polymorphic for the 81 lines. The percentage of polymorphic loci was greatest for the B genome (58%) and smallest for the D genome (21%). Among the 81 lines, 271 different RFLP bands were detected. RFLP band frequencies of the winter wheat lines differed considerably (≥0.5) from those of the spring wheat lines at five loci, and from those of the spelt lines at 17 loci. Eight cultivars that had a major impact as progenitors on the development of improved winter wheat cultivars accounted for 93% of the observed RFLP bands in winter wheat. Genetic distance (GD) estimates between two lines ranged between 0.01 and 0.21. Mean GD estimates within winter wheat (0.083), within spring wheat (0.108) and within spelt (0.096) were smaller than between spring and winter wheat (0.114), and greatest between winter wheat and spelt (0.132) and spring wheat and spelt (0.148). Principal coordinate analysis performed on GD estimates revealed a clear separation of wheat and spelt germplasm. Novel spelt lines with various proportions of wheat germplasm were positioned between wheat and traditional spelt lines. The spring wheat lines formed a distinct group at the periphery of the distribution of the winter wheat lines. Subgroupings of the winter wheat lines according to the cluster analysis were in good agreement with their origin, and lines with common ancestors were grouped together.

Comparative RFLP mapping of an allotetraploid wild rice species (Oryza latifolia) and cultivated rice (O. sativa)

The purpose of this study was to construct a comparative RFLP map of an allotetraploid wild rice species, Oryza latifolia, and to study the relationship between the CCDD genome of O. latifolia and the AA genome of O. sativa. A set of RFLP markers, which had been previously mapped to the AA genome of cultivated rice, were used to construct the comparative map. Fifty-eight F2 progeny, which were derived from a single F1 plant, were used for segregation analysis. The comparative RFLP map contains 149 DNA markers, including 145 genomic DNA markers from cultivated rice, 3 cDNA markers from oat, and one known gene (waxy, from maize). Segregation patterns reflected the allotetraploid ancestry of O. latifolia, and the CC and DD genomes were readily distinguished by most probes tested. There is a high degree of conservation between the CCDD genome of O. latifolia and the AA genome of O. sativa based on our data, but some inversions and translocations were noted.

Physical distribution of recombination in B-genome chromosomes of tetraploid wheat

Several studies have indicated a noncorrespondence between genetic and physical distances in wheat chromosomes. To study the physical distribution of recombination, polymorphism for C-banding patterns was used to monitor recombination in 67 segments in 11 B-genome chromosome arms of Triticum turgidum. Recombination was absent in proximal regions of all chromosome arms; its frequency increased exponentially with distance from the centromere. A significant difference was observed between the distribution of recombination in physically short and physically long arms. In physically short arms, recombination was almost exclusively concentrated in distal segments and only those regions were represented in their genetic maps. In physically long arms, while a majority of the genetic distance was again based upon recombination in distal chromosome segments, some interstitial recombination was observed. Consequently, these regions also contributed to the genetic maps. Such a pattern of recombination, skewed toward terminal segments of chromosomes, is probably a result of telomeric pairing initiation and strong positive chiasma interference. Interference averaged 0.81 in 35 pairs of adjacent segments and 0.57 across the entire recombining portions of chromosome arms. The total genetic map lengths of the arms corresponded closely to those expected on the basis of their metaphase-I chiasma frequencies. As a consequence of this uneven distribution of recombination there can be a 153-fold difference (or more) in the number of DNA base pairs per unit (centiMorgan) of genetic length.

Phylogenetic distribution and genetic mapping of a (GGC)n microsatellite from rice (Oryza sativa L.)

DNA microsatellites are ubiquitously present in eukaryotic genomes and represent a vast source of highly informative markers. We describe in this article a (GGC)n microsatellite which is widely distributed in eukaryotic genomes. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques and DNA sequencing, we demonstrated for the first time in plant species that a (GGC)n microsatellite locus is moderately polymorphic. Six alleles are present at this locus in rice and length polymorphisms are caused by variation in the number of tandem GGC repeats. By scoring a backcross mapping population, we were able to demonstrate that this locus is stably inherited and does not link to any known RFLP markers on the rice RFLP map. Our results suggest that DNA microsatellites should be useful in plants for construction of genetic linkage maps, extension of the existing genetic linkage maps, linkage analysis of disease and pest resistance genes, and the study of population genetics.

RFLP mapping of genes affecting plant height and growth habit in rye

RFLP mapping of chromosome 5R in the F3 generation of a rye (Secale cereale L.) cross segregating for gibberellic acid (GA3)-insensitive dwarfness (Ct2/ct2) and spring growth habit (Sp1/sp1) identified RFLP loci close to each of these agronomically important genes. The level of RFLP in the segregating population was high, and thus allowed more than half of the RFLP loci to be mapped, despite partial homozygosity in the parental F2 plant. Eight further loci were mapped in an unrelated F2 rye population, and a further two were placed by inference from equivalent genetic maps of related wheat chromosomes, allowing a consensus map of rye chromosome 5R, consisting of 29 points and spanning 129 cM, to be constructed. The location of the ct2 dwarfing gene was shown to be separated from the segment of the primitive 4RL translocated to 5RL, and thus the gene is probably genetically unrelated to the major GA-insensitive Rht genes of wheat located on chromosome arms 4BS and 4DS. The map position of Sp1 is consistent both with those of wheat Vrn1 and Vrn3, present on chromosome arms 5AL and 5DL, respectively, and with barley Sh2 which is distally located on chromosome arm 7L (= 5HL).

Use of RAPD markers to determine the genetic diversity of diploid, wheat genotypes

The genetic diversity of two diploid wheat species, Triticum monococcum and Triticum urartu (2n=2x=14), was assessed using random primers and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Electrophoretic analysis of the amplification products revealed a higher incidence of polymorphism in T. urartu than T. monococcum. Pair-wise comparisons of unique and shared polymorphic amplification products, were used to generate Jaccard's similarity coefficients. These were employed to construct phenograms using an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetical averages (UPGMA). The UPGMA analysis indicated a higher similarity among T. monococcum than T. urartu. Analysis of RAPD data appears to be helpful in determining the genetic relationships among genotypes.

A comparison of physical distribution of recombination in chromosome 1R in diploid rye and in hexaploid triticale

Polymorphism for six C-bands on chromosome 1R was used to study the frequency and distribution of recombination along the chromosome in a diploid rye (Secale cereale L.) and in a hexaploid triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) derived from it. In rye, the total recombination frequency in five segments of chromosome 1R was 93.7%. Recombination was concentrated in the distal regions of both chromosome arms and was infrequent in the proximal regions. In hexaploid triticale the total recombination frequency in the same chromosome was reduced to 51.7%. In both backgrounds the distal half of the long arm showed similar recombination frequencies, 51.4% and 45.7% for rye and triticale, respectively. The remaining about two-thirds of the chromosome length showed 42.3% recombination in rye but only 6% recombination in triticale. The results demonstrate that the genetic background in which mapping is performed not only affects the total amount of recombination, but also its distribution along the chromosome length.

Nonhomoeologous translocations between group 4, 5 and 7 chromosomes within wheat and rye

Genetic maps of wheat chromosome 4A and rye chromosome arm 5RL, and the chromosomal locations of 70 sets of isozyme and molecular homoeoloci have been used to further define the structure of wheat chromosomes 4A, 5A and 7B, and rye chromosomes 4R, 5R and 7R. We provide evidence, for the first time, which is consistent with the presence of an interstitial segment on 4AL originating from 5AL, and of a segment originally from 5RL on 7RS. The evolutionary origins of the present chromosomes are discussed.

A chromosome-specific DNA sequence which reveals a high level of RFLP in wheat

An unusual genomic DNA clone, PSR454, was isolated from a partial genomic library of wheat. This sequence is moderately repeated and detects at least 30 related sequences, all located in a tight linkage block on the long arm of chromosome 3B. When used as a RFLP probe, PSR454 detects a high level of polymorphism between wheat varieties that carry the sequence. There is no detectable hybridisation to sequences in one-third of the varieties tested, providing an "on-off" polymorphism that can be detected on dot blots, rather than the more resource-consuming conventional Southern analysis.