Identification of RAPD Markers Linked to Five Marker Genes (blu, dgs, y, arg, and a Flat Pod Mutant) in Common Bean

Abstract

The development of a complete linkage map, including both classical (visible) and molecular markers, is important to understand the genetic relationships among different traits in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The objective of this study was to integrate classical marker genes into previously constructed molecular linkage maps in common bean. Bulked segregant analysis was used to identify 10 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers linked to genes for five classical marker traits: dark green savoy leaf (dgs), blue flower (blu), silvery [Latin: argentum] green pod (arg), yellow wax pod (y) and flat pod (a spontaneous mutation from round to flat pod in `Hialeah' snap bean). The genes for dark green savoy leaf (dgs) and blue flower (blu) were located in a previously constructed molecular linkage map. These results indicate that classical marker genes and molecular markers can be integrated to form a more complete and informative genetic linkage map. Most of the RAPD markers were not polymorphic in the two mapping populations used, and molecular markers from those mapping populations were not polymorphic in the F2 populations used to develop the RAPD markers. Alternative genetic hypotheses for the pod shape mutation in `Hialeah' are discussed, and the experimental difficulties of pod shape classification are described.