DNA Markers from Different Linkage Regions of Watermelon Genome Useful in Differentiating among Closely Related Watermelon Genotypes

Abstract

A genetic linkage map was previously constructed for watermelon using a wide testcross population [{Plant Accession Griffin 14113; Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (L.H. Baiely) Mansf.} × the watermelon cultivar New Hampshire Midget; NHM {(Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai var. lanatus)} × United States Plant Introduction (PI) 386015 {Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.}]. One-hundred forty-six markers [randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers] unique to NHM and representing different linkage groups on the map were tested for polymorphism among 24 watermelon cultivars limited in genetic diversity. Five (9.4%) of 53 RAPD, six (40.0%) of 15 ISSR, 30 (81.0%) of 37 AFLP, and 33 (80.5%) of 41 SRAP markers tested produced polymorphism among the 24 cultivars. The polymorphic markers used in this study are scattered throughout the watermelon genome. However, a large number (19 of the 30) of AFLP markers clustered on one linkage group on the map. The SRAP markers proved to be most effective in producing polymorphism and in representing different linkage regions of watermelon genome. The polymorphic markers represent all 10 large linkage groups and five of the nine small linkage groups (altogether 15 of 19 linkage groups) of the genetic linkage map constructed so far for watermelon. These polymorphic markers can be useful in DNA fingerprinting of cultivars, in testing seed purity of breeding lines, and in identifying triploid (seedless) hybrid watermelons derived from crosses between closely related tetraploid and diploid lines.