Set Of Near-isogenic Lines Research Articles

Expression analysis of the unisex-determine gene <I>M</I> in cu-cumber

Sex determination in plants has various mechanism; however, a single gene locus controlling unisexual expression is unique in the Cucurbitaceae plants, particularly cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and melon (Cucumis melo L.). In this study, with quantitative RT-PCR method, two sets of near-isogenic lines (NILs) were used to analyze the expression pattern of gene CsACS2 (GenBank accession number FJ529216). Additionally, chemical applications (AgNO3 and AVG) were used to investigate the effect of the plant endogenous ethylene on CsACS2 expression. Expression analysis reveals that endogenous ethylene, which might be derived from F or M itself, could activate the expression of M gene.

The phenotypic expression of QTLs for partial resistance to barley leaf rust during plant development

Partial resistance is generally considered to be a durable form of resistance. In barley, Rphq2, Rphq3 and Rphq4 have been identified as consistent quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for partial resistance to the barley leaf rust pathogen Puccinia hordei. These QTLs have been incorporated separately into the susceptible L94 and the partially resistant Vada barley genetic backgrounds to obtain two sets of near isogenic lines (NILs). Previous studies have shown that these QTLs are not effective at conferring disease resistance in all stages of plant development. In the present study, the two sets of QTL-NILs and the two recurrent parents, L94 and Vada, were evaluated for resistance to P. hordei isolate 1.2.1 simultaneously under greenhouse conditions from the first leaf to the flag leaf stage. Effect of the QTLs on resistance was measured by development rate of the pathogen, expressed as latency period (LP). The data show that Rphq2 prolongs LP at the seedling stage (the first and second leaf stages) but has almost no effect on disease resistance in adult plants. Rphq4 showed no effect on LP until the third leaf stage, whereas Rphq3 is consistently effective at prolonging LP from the first leaf to the flag leaf. The changes in the effectiveness of Rphq2 and Rphq4 happen at the barley tillering stage (the third to fourth leaf stages). These results indicate that multiple disease evaluations of a single plant by repeated inoculations of the fourth leaf to the flag leaf should be conducted to precisely estimate the effect of Rphq4. The present study confirms and describes in detail the plant development-dependent effectiveness of partial resistance genes and, consequently, will enable a more precise evaluation of partial resistance regulation during barley development.

Genetic Effect of PUL Allelic Variation on Rice Cooking and Eating Qualities

Pullulanase (PUL) is a type of starch debranching enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis. To test the effect of PUL allelic variation on cooking and eating qualities in rice ( Oryza sativa L.), 2 sets of near-isogenic lines (NILs) for PUL gene were developed by crossing and backcrossing Guichao 2 ( indica) and Suyunuo ( japonica glutinous) and selected with the help of the gene-specific STS marker on PUL gene. The NILs had no significant differences in amylose content, gel consistency, and starch crystalline structure compared with their corresponding recurrent parents. In contrast, the starch paste viscosity and starch thermal property changed obviously between the NILs and their recurrent parents. It was concluded that PUL gene plays an important role in determining rice grain cooking and eating qualities, and functional differentiation occurred at the PUL locus between indica variety Guichao 2 and japonica variety Suyunuo. The gene-specific molecular marker for PUL gene developed on the basis of genomic sequence diversity could be directly applied in rice good quality breeding program.

Fine mapping of a resistance gene to bacterial leaf pustule in soybean

Soybean bacterial leaf pustule (BLP) is a prevalent disease caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines. Fine mapping of the BLP resistant gene, rxp, is needed to select BLP resistant soybean cultivars by marker-assisted selection (MAS). We used a total of 227 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between 'Taekwangkong' (BLP susceptible) and 'Danbaekkong' (BLP resistant) for rxp fine mapping and two different sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) from Hwangkeumkong x SS2-2 and Taekwangkong x SS2-2 were used for confirmation. Using sequences between Satt372 and Satt486 flanking rxp from soybean genome sequences, eight simple sequence repeats (SSR) and two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were newly developed in a 6.2-cM interval. Linkage mapping with the RILs and NILs allowed us to map the rxp region with high resolution. The genetic order of all markers was completely consistent with their physical order. QTL analysis by comparison of the BLP phenotyping data with all markers showed rxp was located between SNUSSR17_9 and SNUSNP17_12. Gene annotation analysis of the 33 kb region between SNUSSR17_9 and SNUSNP17_12 suggested three predicted genes, two of which could be candidate genes of BLP resistance: membrane protein and zinc finger protein. Candidate genes showed high similarity with their paralogous genes, which were located on the duplicated regions obtaining BLP resistance QTLs. High-resolution map in rxp region with eight SSR and two SNP markers will be useful for not only MAS of BLP resistance but also characterization of rxp.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF CANDIDATE AFLP MARKERS FOR LEAF RUST RESISTANCE GENE LR13 BY USING NEAR- ISOGENIC LINES OF SPRING WHEAT CV. THATCHER

The aim of the present study was to detect candidate DNA markers for leaf rust resistance gene Lr13. The NIL groups were constructed from a set of near isogenic lines of wheat cv. Thatcher containing in total 41 different Lr resistance genes. A total number of 246 primer combinations in the NIL groups were screened for DNA polymorphism by using the AFLP method. Twenty-eight AFLP primer combinations yielded 33 polymorphic bands in Tc+Lr13 line. To confirm these polymorphic bands, 28 primer combinations were investigated in 41 Thatcher near isogenic lines. Six primer combinations amplified specific band products in Tc+Lr13. It was concluded that these AFLP markers can be linked to Lr13 gene and in further studies on Lr13 resistance gene, these six AFLP markers should be analyzed in near isogenic lines. Also, construction of the NIL groups can be useful in terms of time and cost of the molecular researches including Thatcher near isogenic lines.

Evaluation of the effect of qSB-9Tq involved in quantitative resistance to rice sheath blight using near-isogenic lines

Resistance to rice sheath blight disease that causes significant yield losses worldwide is controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL). The accurate resistance effect of qSB-9Tq, a major QTL that derived from the indica cultivar Teqing, was investigated by using a backcross population of Teqing and Lemont (the latter as the recurrent parent) and a set of near-isogenic lines (NIL) developed in this study. A strong pathogenic Rhizoctonia solani line, RH-9, was used for inoculation. Two different experimental designs were adopted. One was a completely randomized experiment in which plants that exhibited three different genotypes at qSB-9Tq locus were distinguished by detecting the marker genotypes flanking qSB-9Tq in the BC6F2 segregation population. The other was a randomized block design experiment with three replicates using the three NILs of qSB-9Tq. The combined results of the two experiments suggested that qSB-9Tq was a dominant resistance QTL and could reduce disease rating by approximately 1.0 using a 0~9 disease rating scale. The results of the study provide a strong foundation for the fine mapping of qSB-9Tq and its utilization in breeding.Key words: Near-isogenic line, quantitative trait locus, resistance effect, rice (Oryza sativa L.), sheath blight

Four rice QTL controlling number of spikelets per panicle expressed the characteristics of single Mendelian gene in near isogenic backgrounds

Development of quantitative trait loci (QTL) near isogenic lines is a crucial step to QTL isolation using the strategy of map-based cloning. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from two indica rice varieties, Zhenshan 97 and HR5, was employed to map QTL for spikelets per panicle (SPP). One major QTL (qSPP7) and three minor QTL (qSPP1, qSPP2 and qSPP3) were identified on chromosomes 7, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Four sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) BC(4)F(2) targeted for the four QTL were developed by following a standard procedure of consecutive backcross, respectively. These QTL were not only validated in corresponding NILs, but also explained amounts of phenotypic variation with much larger LOD scores compared with those identified in RILs. SPP in the four QTL-NILs expressed bimodal or discontinuous distributions and followed the expected segregation ratio of single Mendelian factor by progeny test. Finally, qSPP1, qSPP2, qSPP3 and qSPP7 were respectively mapped to a locus, 0.5 cM from MRG2746, 0.6 cM from MRG2762, 0.8 cM from RM49 and 0.7 cM from MRG4436, as co-dominant markers on the basis of progeny tests. These results indicate no matter how small effect minor QTL is, QTL may still express the characteristics of single Mendelian factor in NILs and isolation of minor QTL will be possible using high quality NILs. Pyramiding these QTL into a variety will largely enhance rice grain yield.

Recombinant near-isogenic lines: a resource for the mendelization of heterotic QTL in maize

Although heterosis is widely exploited in agriculture, a clear understanding of its genetic bases is still elusive. This work describes the development of maize recombinant near-isogenic lines (NILs) for the mendelization of six heterotic QTL previously identified based on a maize (Zea mays L.) RIL population. The efficient and inexpensive strategy adopted to generate sets of NILs starting from QTL-specific residual heterozygous lines (RHLs) is described and validated. In particular, we produced nine pairs of recombinant NILs for all six QTL starting from RHLs F(4:5) originally obtained during the production of the RIL population mentioned above. Whenever possible, two different NIL pairs were generated for each QTL. The efficiency of this procedure was tested by analyzing two segregating populations for two of the selected heterotic QTL for plant height, yield per plant and ears per plant. Both additive and dominant effects were observed, consistently with the presence of the QTL within the introgressed regions. Refinement of QTL detection was consistent with previous observations in terms of effects and position of the considered QTL. The genetic material developed in this work represents the starting point for QTL fine mapping aimed at understanding the genetic bases of hybrid vigor in maize.

Dissection of QTLs for Yield Traits Using Near Isogenic Lines Derived from Residual Heterozygous Lines in Rice

Three residual heterozygous lines (RHLs) carrying heterozygous segments in the intervals RM587–RM225, RM204–RM6119 and RM6119–RM402 on the short arm of rice chromosome 6, respectively, were selected from a rice population derived from an RHL for the interval RM587–RM402. Ten maternal homozygotes, 10 paternal homozygotes and 20 heterozygotes were selected from each of the F 2 populations derived from the three RHLs. The three sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) were grown to detect the grain yield per plant, number of panicles per plant, number of filled grains per panicle and 1000-grain weight. With analysis on the phenotypic differences among the three genotype groups in each NIL set and those among overlapping chromosome segment substitution lines, three QTLs for number of filled grains per panicle and two QTLs for grain yield per plant were resolved. They were located in the intervals ranging from 0.66 Mb to 2.49 Mb. The additive effect was higher than the dominance effect at each locus. The allele for increasing the trait value was derived from the paternal parent at qNFGP6-1, and from the maternal alleles at other QTLs. Based on the present study, an approach for constructing new genetic resource to facilitate fine mapping of QTLs in rice was proposed.

On the Genetic Control of Heterosis for Fruit Shape in Melon (Cucumis Melo L.)

The objective of the present work is to study the genetic basis of heterosis for fruit shape (FS) in melon observed in a cross between the Spanish cultivar "Piel de Sapo" (PS) and the Korean accession PI 161375 (Songwang Charmi [SC]) using a set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) with contrasting phenotypes for FS, each carrying a single chromosomal introgression from SC within the genetic background of PS. We investigated the FS of homozygous NILs, hybrids NIL x PS, and all 2-way crosses between NILs to test the main heterosis hypotheses (dominance, overdominance, and epistatic interactions). Gene action of alleles of quantitative trait loci inducing fruit enlargement was dominance, whereas those inducing rounder fruit were additive or recessive. Only minor epistatic interactions were found. Therefore, the most plausible explanation for FS heterosis in this cross is in agreement with the dominance complementation hypothesis. Over 70% of the hybrid heterosis could be achieved by combining just 2 loci, indicating that the genetic control of FS heterosis in this cross is relatively simple. FS is proposed as a reproductive trait in melon because of the high correlation to the number of seeds produced along the fruit longitudinal axis.

Genetic dissection of a thousand-grain weight quantitative trait locus on rice chromosome 1

Thousand-grain weight (TGWT) is an important factor affecting grain yield as well as grain quality in rice. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) qTGWT1-1 for TGWT was detected previously near DNA marker RG532 on the short arm of chromosome 1 in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the indica-indica rice cross Zhengshan97B (ZS97B)/Milyang46 (MY46). In this study, two residual heterozygous lines (RHLs), Ch1 and Ch2, derived from the ZS97B/MY46 RIL F7 population, were used to develop two F6 populations, RIL-1 and RIL-2. The genome of Ch1 and Ch2 contains a heterozygous region flanked by RM1–RM3746 and RM151–RM243 on the short arm of chromosome 1, respectively, but is homozygous in other regions. Two tightly linked QTLs, Gw1-1 and Gw1-2, with the same additive direction and similar effect on TGWT, were detected in the region of QTL qTGWT1-1 in population RIL-2. No QTL was detected in the population RIL-1. Four individual RHLs from the population RIL-2 carrying heterozygous segments flanked by RM151–RM10404, RM10381–RM243, RM10435–RM259 and RM10398–RM5359, respectively, were chosen to develop four F2 populations. Ten maternal homozygotes and 10 paternal homozygotes were selected from each of the four F2 populations derived from the four RHLs. The four sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) were grown for phenotyping of TGWT and delimitation of Gw1-1 and Gw1-2. Results showed that Gw1-1 and Gw1-2 were located in the intervals RM10376–RM10398 and RM10404–RM1344 which cover 392.9 and 308.5 kb regions, respectively. The enhancing alleles were from ZS97B at both loci, and no significant interactions were detected. Genetic dissection of Gw1-1 and Gw1-2 has laid a foundation for their cloning and molecular breeding of grain yield and quality in rice.

Climacteric and non-climacteric behavior in melon fruit: 2. Linking climacteric pattern and main postharvest disorders and decay in a set of near-isogenic lines

A set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) of melon ( Cucumis melo L.) was used to test the relationship between the climacteric pattern and postharvest disorders at harvest and after 30 days at 8 °C. The NILs contained different chromosome introgressions in the linkage group III from the non-climacteric exotic Korean accession PI 161375 transferred into the genetic background of the non-climacteric Spanish cultivar ‘Piel de Sapo’ (PS). A quantitative trait locus (QTL) in this linkage group induced climacteric behavior in eight NILs accompanied by a peak of ethylene production and fruit dehiscence to different degrees. The cultivar ‘Nicolás’ and one NIL showed a non-climacteric pattern of respiration rate and ethylene production. The climacteric NILs were used to test the relationship between this pattern and postharvest disorders. The reference climacteric lines ‘Fado’ and ‘Védrantais’ were more sensitive to CI and associated Cladosporium rot than the NILs or PS. In general, a more intense climacteric behavior was accompanied by fruit dehiscence, and higher total losses and greater skin scald after storage, than in PS. A higher incidence of chilling injury (CI) in the climacteric NILs was found compared with the non-climacteric ones, although with exceptions (one NIL for CI in the form of scald; the same NIL and one more for pitting). The climacteric onset and netting scald were not related, and CI in the form of skin spots was only found in climacteric NILs and was positively correlated with the maximum peak of ethylene production. Some climacteric NILs did not follow the rule of a higher susceptibility to other disorders and decay after storage compared with PS, such as for example in fruit over-ripening (detected externally or internally), Cladosporium rot at the peduncle and Alternaria rot. Mealiness was independent of climacteric behavior. Three climacteric NILs obtained better flavor scores after storage than PS, although the maximum peak of ethylene production was positively correlated with off-flavor. Genotypic correlation between disorder data and the physiological data of climacteric fruit revealed positive (flavor index) or negative postharvest consequences (skin injuries, rots or off-flavors). At least one QTL can be assigned to most of the quality traits analyzed.

Identification and mapping of quantitative trait loci for cold tolerance at the booting stage in a japonica rice near-isogenic line

Near-isogenic lines (NILs) are preferred materials for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and for evaluating gene action or interaction. We developed a set of NILs with cold tolerance at the booting stage by backcrossing the strongly cold-tolerant japonica landrace, Kunmingxiaobaigu (KMXBG) to cold-sensitive japonica cultivar, Towada, as the recipient parent. A BC 4F 5 line was selected as a parent to construct a BC 5F 2 segregating population from which BC 5F 3 lines were developed. Cold tolerance at the booting stage was evaluated on the basis of spikelet fertility of main panicles over 2 years and two locations. Using a LOD significance threshold of 3.0, compositive interval mapping based on a mixed linear model revealed eight QTLs on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11. They were tentatively designated qCTB-1-1, qCTB-4-1, qCTB-4-2, qCTB-5-1, qCTB-5-2, qCTB-10-1, qCTB-10-2 and qCTB-11-1. All alleles for cold tolerance were contributed by KMXBG, and the marker intervals containing them were narrowed to 0.6–5.6 cM. Genetic distances between the peaks of the QTL and nearest markers varied from 0 to 1.3 cM. The variance explained by a single QTL ranged from 0.90 to 14.86%. Four QTLs, qCTB-1-1, qCTB-4-1, qCTB-5-1, qCTB-5-2 and qCTB-10-1, were detected in two or more trials. Comparisons with previous studies indicated that these QTLs were reliable. Our study sets a foundation for cloning cold-tolerance genes and provides opportunities to understand the mechanism of cold tolerance at the booting stage.

The contribution of the gibberellin-insensitive semi-dwarfing (Rht) genes to genetic variation in wheat seedling growth in response to osmotic stress

SUMMARYThe effects of various gibberellin-insensitive semi-dwarfing (Rht) alleles and background genotypes on the growth response of wheat seedlings to simulated low water potential were investigated. Four sets of near-isogenic lines, each consisting of six members (Rht-B1a+Rht-D1a (rht), Rht-B1b, Rht-B1c, Rht-D1b, Rht-B1b+Rht-D1b and Rht-B1c+Rht-D1b), and one set of five members (rht, Rht-B1b, Rht-B1c, Rht-B1d and Rht-D1b) were germinated in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The growth responses were assessed by measuring the lengths of the longest root, coleoptile and longest leaf (shoot) and calculating the root length:shoot length ratio and a tolerance index (TI). Seedling growth was significantly affected by the allelic status at the Rht loci, background genes and the water potential. The PEG treatment had major effects on root and shoot growth. Coleoptile growth was mainly affected by the Rht alleles. There were significant interactions of the Rht allele and variety on the growth response to low water potential. Genotypes with longer roots, coleoptiles and shoots when grown in water, as determined by the Rht allelic status (rht, Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b) and varietal background, had the highest TI and maintained this advantage under stress, while genotypes with smaller seedlings (Rht-B1c and Rht-B1c+Rht-D1b) when grown in water were more strongly affected.

Analysis of the chromosome 2(2H) region of barley associated with the correlated traits Fusarium head blight resistance and heading date

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major disease of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) that results in reduced grain yield and quality through the accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). Coincident QTL for FHB severity, DON concentration, and heading date (HD) map to a region of chromosome 2(2H) designated Qrgz-2H-8. It is unclear whether disease resistance at this locus is due to a pleiotropic effect of late HD by delaying the host exposure to the pathogen or a tightly linked resistance gene. The objectives of this study were to develop a set of near isogenic lines (NILs) for the Qrgz-2H-8 region and to genetically dissect the QTL region containing the coincident traits. Two NIL populations were developed consisting of F(2)- and F(4)-derived recombinants from a cross between a BC(5) line carrying the donor parent (Chevron) alleles in the Qrgz-2H-8 region and the recurrent parent M69. Analysis of field and marker data from these NILs revealed that the Chevron alleles conditioning FHB resistance, late HD, and low DON concentration were successfully introgressed into the BC(5) parent line and were segregating among NILs. QTL analysis of the F(4)-derived population showed that the HD QTL is adjacent to the FHB QTL. Furthermore, a single NIL was identified that was similar to the resistant BC(5) parent for FHB severity and the early flowering parent M69 for HD. These results indicate that the relationship between FHB and HD at the Qrgz-2H-8 region is likely due to tight linkage rather than pleiotropy.

Genetic analysis and molecular mapping of two dominant complementary genes determining resistance to sugarcane mosaic virus in maize

Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is one of the devastating virus diseases of maize in the world. Understanding the genetic of resistance gene(s) is the basis for effective selection in resistance breeding program. In this study, analyses were conducted to determine the genetic basis in line Siyi with tropic germplasm conferring complete resistance to SCMV. Based on the responses of parents and F1, F2 and backcross populations in three successive years’ field trails, two dominant complementary genes, were found to condition the resistance by Mendelian genetic analysis. The two genes were mapped on chromosome 3 and chromosome 6, respectively using microsatellite markers. The resistance gene on chromosome 3 (bin 3.04/05) was flanked by simple sequence repeat markers umc1527 and phi053 with the genetic distances of 1.8 and 2.1 cM, respectively; whereas the genetic distances between the two flanking markers umc2311 and bnlg1371 and resistance gene on chromosome 6 (bin 6.00/01) was 2.1 and 1.5 cM, respectively. Genotypic analysis of the plants from backcross and F3 populations also validated the two genes with the unique genetic model. For further confirming the interaction between the two genes, a set of near isogenic lines (NILs) carrying different number of the resistance genes were developed, genotypic analysis of NILs clearly show that two dominant complementary genes cooperatively control the resistance to SCMV in maize.

Comparative Genetics of Potential Prezygotic and Postzygotic Isolating Barriers in a Lycopersicon Species Cross

I compare the genetic basis of quantitative traits that potentially contribute to pre- and postzygotic isolation between the plant species Solanum lycopersicum (formerly Lycopersicon esculentum) and Solanum habrochaites (formerly Lycopersicon hirsutum), using quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in a set of near-isogenic lines. Putative prezygotic isolating traits include flower size, flower shape, stigma exertion, and inflorescence length, that can influence pollinator preferences and/or selfing rates, and therefore gene flow between divergent types. Postzygotic isolating traits are hybrid pollen and seed sterility. Three substantive results emerge from these analyses. First, the genetic basis of floral differentiation appears to be somewhat less complex than the genetic basis of postzygotic hybrid sterility, although these differences are very modest. Second, there is little evidence that traits for floral differentiation are causally or mechanistically associated with hybrid sterility traits in this species cross. Third, there is little evidence that hybrid sterility QTL are more frequently associated with chromosomal centromeric regions, in comparison to floral trait QTL, a prediction of centromeric drive models of hybrid sterility. Although genome-wide associations are not evident in this analysis, several individual chromosomal regions that contain clusters of QTL for both floral and sterility traits, or that indicate hybrid sterility effects at centromere locations, warrant further fine-scale investigation.

Transcript profiling of a dominant male sterile mutant ( Ms-cd1) in cabbage during flower bud development

A spontaneous male-sterile mutation affecting anther development has been identified in cabbage line 79-399-3. The male sterility was associated with abnormal callose degeneration and failure of microspore separation during anther development. Three pairs near-isogenic lines (NILs) with or without the dominant male sterility allele ( MS-cd1) were profiled by cDNA-AFLP to detect differentially expressed genes during flower bud development. Out of 6500 transcript derived fragments (TDFs) inspected, 27 were differentially expressed between fertile and male sterile plants in all three sets of NILs. All 27 TDFs were sequenced and BLAST searching revealed that 14 out of 27 fragments were highly homologous to genes with known or predicted function in Arabidopsis. Moreover, three of these TDFs were homologous to genes involved in cell wall formation and degradation, including plant invertase/pectin methylesterase inhibitor (PMEI) and polysaccharide lyase. RT-PCR experiments revealed that PMEI was expressed strongly in the anther and filament. Analysis of a set of NILs with different male sterility types showed that PMEI was also not expressed in a Nigra CMS NIL, a recessive male sterile NIL and an Ogura CMS NIL compared to their corresponding fertile NILs. Based on both cytological and transcriptional data we suggest that the dominant MS-cd1 mutant gene may disrupts proper separation of pollens from tetrads, which leads to the suppressed expression of a number of genes including BoPMEI1, a gene likely involved in the degradation of pectin.

Development of a genomic library of near isogenic lines (NILs) in melon (Cucumis melo L.) from the exotic accession PI161375

A doubled haploid line (DHL) population of melon derived from a cross between the Korean cultivar "Songwhan Charmi" accession PI161375 (SC), included in the horticultural group conomon, and the Spanish cultivar "Piel de Sapo" (PS), included in the horticultural group inodorus, was used to develop a collection of near isogenic lines (NILs). These parental lines represent very different melon cultivar groups, with important differences at fruit, plant, disease response and molecular level. This cross is one of the most polymorphic ones within melon germplasm. Selected DHLs were backcrossed to PS and further backcrossing and selfing was performed, monitoring introgressions from SC using molecular markers covering the melon genetic map. A final collection of 57 NILs was obtained, containing a unique independent introgression from SC in the PS genetic background. The introgressions within the collection cover at least 85% of the SC genome with an average introgression size of 41 cM, corresponding to 3.4% of the SC genome. The average resolution for mapping genes or quantitative trait loci is 18.90 cM. This set of NILs is a potentially powerful tool for the study of quantitative trait locus involved in melon fruit quality and other important complex traits, and the introduction of new genetic variability in modern cultivars from exotic sources. The NILs can also be used as pre-competitive breeding lines in melon breeding projects.

Genetics of Hybrid Incompatibility Between Lycopersicon esculentum and L. hirsutum

We examined the genetics of hybrid incompatibility between two closely related diploid hermaphroditic plant species. Using a set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) representing 85% of the genome of the wild species Lycopersicon hirsutum (Solanum habrochaites) in the genetic background of the cultivated tomato L. esculentum (S. lycopersicum), we found that hybrid pollen and seed infertility are each based on 5-11 QTL that individually reduce hybrid fitness by 36-90%. Seed infertility QTL act additively or recessively, consistent with findings in other systems where incompatibility loci have largely been recessive. Genetic lengths of introgressed chromosomal segments explain little of the variation for hybrid incompatibility among NILs, arguing against an infinitesimal model of hybrid incompatibility and reinforcing our inference of a limited number of discrete incompatibility factors between these species. In addition, male (pollen) and other (seed) incompatibility factors are roughly comparable in number. The latter two findings contrast strongly with data from Drosophila where hybrid incompatibility can be highly polygenic and complex, and male sterility evolves substantially faster than female sterility or hybrid inviability. The observed differences between Lycopersicon and Drosophila might be due to differences in sex determination system, reproductive and mating biology, and/or the prevalence of sexual interactions such as sexual selection.