A genetic linkage map of rye (Secale cereale L.)

Molecular Cytogenetic Identification of a New Wheat-Rye 6R Addition Line and Physical Localization of Its Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene

Rye (Secale cereale L.), a naturally cross-pollinating relative of wheat, is a tertiary gene donor and of substantial value in wheat improvement. Wheat powdery mildew is caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), which seriously affects yield and quality worldwide. Identifying and transferring new, effective resistance genes against powdery mildew from rye is important for wheat breeding. The current study developed a wheat-rye line YT2 resistant to powdery mildew by crossing, backcrossing, and self-pollination for multiple generations between octoploid triticale 09R2-100 and common wheat cultivar Shixin 616. YT2 was confirmed to be a 6R disomic addition and T1RS⋅1BL translocation line by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mc-FISH), multicolor-GISH (mc-GISH), and molecular marker analyses. Disease responses to different Bgt isolates and genetic analysis showed that the powdery mildew resistance gene of YT2 was derived from the rye chromosome 6R of 09R2-100, which differed from the previously reported Pm genes from rye including Pm20 on 6RL. Resistance phenotype of different translocation lines and deletion lines derived from YT2 combined with newly developed 6RL-specific markers analysis suggested that the powdery mildew resistance gene of YT2 was localized to the region in chromosome 6RL: 890.09-967.51 Mb and flanked by markers XM189 and X4M19, corresponding to the reference genome of Weining rye. Therefore, YT2 could be used as a promising bridging parent for wheat disease resistance improvement.

Genetic mapping of pollen fertility restoration QTLs in rye (Secale cereale L.) with CMS Pampa

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a widely applied plant breeding tool for hybrid seed production. The phenomenon is often caused by chimeric genes with altered open reading frames (ORFs) located in the mitochondrial genomes and expressed as novel genotoxic products that induce pollen abortion. The fertility of CMS plants can be restored by nuclear-encoded genes that inhibit the action of ORFs responsible for pollen sterility. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population S64/04/01, encompassing 175 individuals, was used for genetic map construction and identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for fertility restoration in rye (Secale cereale L.) with CMS Pampa. The genetic map of all seven rye chromosomes included 15,516 SNP and silicoDArT markers and covered 1070.5 cm. Individual QTLs explaining 60% and 5.5% of the fertility trait’s phenotypic variance were mapped to chromosomes 4R (QRft-4R) and 5R (QRft-5R), respectively. Association mapping identified markers with the highest R² value of 0.58 (p value = 2.21E-28). Markers showing the highest associations with the trait were also mapped to the 4R chromosome within the QRft-4R region. Based on marker sequence homology, putative genes involved in pollen fertility restoration were suggested. Five silicoDArTs were converted into PCR-based markers for further breeding purposes.

Assessing the genetic diversity and characterizing genomic regions conferring Tan Spot resistance in cultivated rye

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is known for its wide adaptation due to its ability to tolerate harsh environments in semiarid areas. To assess the diversity in rye we genotyped a panel of 178 geographically diverse accessions of four Secale sp. from U.S. National Small Grains Collection using 4,037 high-quality SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) developed by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). PCA and STRUCTURE analysis revealed three major clusters that separate S. cereale L. from S. strictum and S. sylvestre, however, genetic clusters did not correlate with geographic origins and growth habit (spring/winter). The panel was evaluated for response to Pyrenophora tritici-repentis race 5 (PTR race 5) and nearly 59% accessions showed resistance or moderate resistance. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on S. cereale subsp. cereale using the 4,037 high-quality SNPs. Two QTLs (QTs.sdsu-5R and QTs.sdsu-2R) on chromosomes 5R and 2R were identified conferring resistance to PTR race 5 (p < 0.001) that explained 13.1% and 11.6% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Comparative analysis showed a high degree of synteny between rye and wheat with known rearrangements as expected. QTs.sdsu-2R was mapped in the genomic region corresponding to wheat chromosome group 2 and QTs.sdsu-5R was mapped to a small terminal region on chromosome 4BL. Based on the genetic diversity, a set of 32 accessions was identified to represents more than 99% of the allelic diversity with polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.25. This set can be utilized for genetic characterization of useful traits and genetic improvement of rye, triticale, and wheat.

Exploring new alleles for frost tolerance in winter rye

Rye genetic resources provide a valuable source of new alleles for the improvement of frost tolerance in rye breeding programs. Frost tolerance is a must-have trait for winter cereal production in northern and continental cropping areas. Genetic resources should harbor promising alleles for the improvement of frost tolerance of winter rye elite lines. For frost tolerance breeding, the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and the choice of optimum genome-based selection methods are essential. We identified genomic regions involved in frost tolerance of winter rye by QTL mapping in a biparental population derived from a highly frost tolerant selection from the Canadian cultivar Puma and the European elite line Lo157. Lines per se and their testcrosses were phenotyped in a controlled freeze test and in multi-location field trials in Russia and Canada. Three QTL on chromosomes 4R, 5R, and 7R were consistently detected across environments. The QTL on 5R is congruent with the genomic region harboring the Frost resistance locus 2 (Fr-2) in Triticeae. The Puma allele at the Fr-R2 locus was found to significantly increase frost tolerance. A comparison of predictive ability obtained from the QTL-based model with different whole-genome prediction models revealed that besides a few large, also small QTL effects contribute to the genomic variance of frost tolerance in rye. Genomic prediction models assigning a high weight to the Fr-R2 locus allow increasing the selection intensity for frost tolerance by genome-based pre-selection of promising candidates.

Physical Location of New PCR-Based Markers and Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene(s) on Rye (Secale cereale L.) Chromosome 4 Using 4R Dissection Lines

Rye (Secale cereale L.) 4R chromosome contains elite genes that are applicable for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar improvement. PCR-based 4R-specific markers can benefit the detection of elite genes on 4R in wheat backgrounds. In this study, a new fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) map of the 4R^Ku chromosome of rye Kustro has been constructed. A set of 4R^Ku dissection lines was obtained and 301 new 4R^Ku-specific markers were developed using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology. These markers were combined with the 99 4R^Ku-specific markers previously developed, and were physically mapped to 4R^Ku chromosome using the new FISH map and the 4R^Ku dissection lines. A total of 338 of the 400 markers have been successfully mapped to six regions of 4R^Ku chromosome. Additionally, the powdery mildew resistance gene(s) on the 4RL^Ku arm was located to the segment between L.4 and L.8, the same region where 115 4RL^Ku-specific markers were mapped. The markers developed in this study can be used to identify a specific segment of 4R chromatin in wheat backgrounds, help construct a high-density physical map of 4R chromosome, and facilitate the utilization of elite genes on 4R chromosome in wheat breeding programs.

Identification and Physical Mapping of New PCR-Based Markers Specific for the Long Arm of Rye (Secale cereale L.) Chromosome 6

To effectively use elite genes on the long arm of rye chromosome 6 (the 6RL arm) in wheat breeding programs, precise and fast identification of 6RL chromatin in wheat backgrounds is necessary. PCR-based 6RL-specific markers can facilitate the detection of elite genes on 6RL in wheat breeding. However, only a limited number of 6RL-specific markers have been developed. In the present study, 300 new PCR-based 6RL-specific markers were identified using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, and were further physically mapped to four regions on the 6RL arm using 6R and 6RL deletion lines. Interestingly, 127 of the 300 markers were physically localized to a region from the site between 2.3 and 2.5 to the telomere, the same region where the powdery mildew resistance gene was mapped. In addition, 95 of the 300 markers exhibit polymorphisms, which can be used to investigate the diversity of rye 6RL arms. The markers developed in this study can be used to identify given segments of 6RL in wheat backgrounds and accelerate the utilization of elite genes on 6RL in wheat breeding.

Development of new PCR-based markers specific for chromosome arms of rye (Secale cereale L.)

PCR-based rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome-specific markers can contribute to the effective utilization of elite genes of rye in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding programs. In the present study, 578 new PCR-based rye-specific markers have been developed by using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, and 76 markers displayed different polymorphism among rye Kustro, Imperial, and King II. A total of 427 and 387 markers were, respectively, located on individual chromosomes and chromosome arms of Kustro by using a set of wheat–rye monosomic addition lines and 13 monotelosomic addition lines, which were derived from T. aestivum L. ‘Mianyang11’ × S. cereale L. ‘Kustro’. In addition, two sets of wheat–rye disomic addition lines, which were derived from T. aestivum L. var. Chinese Spring × S. cereale L. var. Imperial and T. aestivum L. ‘Holdfast’ × S. cereale L. var. King II, were used to test the chromosomal specificity of the 427 markers. The chromosomal locations of 281 markers were consistent among the three sets of wheat–rye addition lines. The markers developed in this study can be used to identify a given segment of rye chromosomes in wheat background and accelerate the utilization of elite genes on rye chromosomes in wheat breeding programs.

Genetic Map of Triticale Integrating Microsatellite, DArT and SNP Markers

Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm) is an economically important crop for fodder and biomass production. To facilitate the identification of markers for agronomically important traits and for genetic and genomic characteristics of this species, a new high-density genetic linkage map of triticale was constructed using doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between cultivars 'Hewo' and 'Magnat'. The map consists of 1615 bin markers, that represent 50 simple sequence repeat (SSR), 842 diversity array technology (DArT), and 16888 DArTseq markers mapped onto 20 linkage groups assigned to the A, B, and R genomes of triticale. No markers specific to chromosome 7R were found, instead mosaic linkage group composed of 1880 highly distorted markers (116 bins) from 10 wheat chromosomes was identified. The genetic map covers 4907 cM with a mean distance between two bins of 3.0 cM. Comparative analysis in respect to published maps of wheat, rye and triticale revealed possible deletions in chromosomes 4B, 5A, and 6A, as well as inversion in chromosome 7B. The number of bin markers in each chromosome varied from 24 in chromosome 3R to 147 in chromosome 6R. The length of individual chromosomes ranged between 50.7 cM for chromosome 2R and 386.2 cM for chromosome 7B. A total of 512 (31.7%) bin markers showed significant (P < 0.05) segregation distortion across all chromosomes. The number of 8 the segregation distorted regions (SDRs) were identified on 1A, 7A, 1B, 2B, 7B (2 SDRs), 5R and 6R chromosomes. The high-density genetic map of triticale will facilitate fine mapping of quantitative trait loci, the identification of candidate genes and map-based cloning.

DOP-PCR based painting of rye chromosomes in a wheat background

To determine the appropriateness of chromosome painting for identifying genomic elements in rye, we microdissected the 1R and 1RS chromosomes from rye (Secale cereale L. var. King II) and wheat-rye addition line 1RS, respectively. Degenerate oligonucleotide primed - polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR) amplification of 1R and 1RS products from dissected chromosomes were used as probes to hybridize to metaphase chromosomes of rye, wheat-rye addition lines 1R and 1RS, translocation line 1RS.1BL, and allohexaploid triticale. The results showed that (i) the hybridization signal distribution patterns on rye chromosomes using 1R-derived DOP-PCR products as the probe were similar to those using 1RS-derived DOP-PCR products as the probe; (ii) 1R and (or) 1RS could not be distinguished from other rye chromosomes solely by the hybridization patterns using 1R- and (or) 1RS-derived DOP-PCR products as the probe; (iii) rye chromosomes and (or) rye chromosome fragments could be clearly identified in wheat-rye hybrids using either 1R- or 1RS-derived DOP-PCR products as the probe and could be more accurate in the nontelomeric region than using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). Our results suggested that 1R- and (or) 1RS-derived DOP-PCR products contain many repetitive DNA sequences, are similar on different rye chromosomes, are R-genome specific, and can be used to identify rye chromosomes and chromosome fragments in wheat-rye hybrids. Our research widens the application range of chromosome painting in plants.

Homoeologous relationship of rye chromosome arms as detected with wheat PLUG markers

Based on the similarity in gene structure between rice and wheat, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based landmark unique gene (PLUG) system enabled us to design primer sets that amplify wheat genic sequences including introns. From the previously reported wheat PLUG markers, we chose 144 markers that are distributed on different chromosomes and in known chromosomal regions (bins) to obtain rye-specific PCR-based markers. We conducted PCR with the 144 primer sets and the template of the Imperial rye genomic DNA and found that 131 (91.0%) primer sets successfully amplified PCR products. Of the 131 PLUG markers, 110 (76.4%) markers showed rye-specific PCR amplification with or without restriction enzyme digestion. We assigned 79 of the 110 markers to seven rye chromosomes (1R to 7R) using seven wheat-rye (cv. Imperial) chromosome addition and substitution lines: 12 to 1R, 8 to 2R, 11 to 3R, 8 to 4R, 16 to 5R, 12 to 6R, and 12 to 7R. Furthermore, we located their positions on the short or long (L) chromosome arm, using 13 Imperial rye telosomic lines of common wheat (except for 3RL). Referring to the chromosome bin locations of the 79 PLUG markers in wheat, we deduced the syntenic relationships between rye and wheat chromosomes. We also discussed chromosomal rearrangements in the rye genome with reference to the cytologically visible chromosomal gaps.

From RNA-seq to large-scale genotyping - genomics resources for rye (Secale cereale L.)

BACKGROUND

The improvement of agricultural crops with regard to yield, resistance and environmental adaptation is a perpetual challenge for both breeding and research. Exploration of the genetic potential and implementation of genome-based breeding strategies for efficient rye (Secale cereale L.) cultivar improvement have been hampered by the lack of genome sequence information. To overcome this limitation we sequenced the transcriptomes of five winter rye inbred lines using Roche/454 GS FLX technology.

RESULTS

More than 2.5 million reads were assembled into 115,400 contigs representing a comprehensive rye expressed sequence tag (EST) resource. From sequence comparisons 5,234 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified to develop the Rye5K high-throughput SNP genotyping array. Performance of the Rye5K SNP array was investigated by genotyping 59 rye inbred lines including the five lines used for sequencing, and five barley, three wheat, and two triticale accessions. A balanced distribution of allele frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 was observed. Residual heterozygosity of the rye inbred lines varied from 4.0 to 20.4% with higher average heterozygosity in the pollen compared to the seed parent pool.

CONCLUSIONS

The established sequence and molecular marker resources will improve and promote genetic and genomic research as well as genome-based breeding in rye.

Genetic map of triticale compiling DArT, SSR, and AFLP markers

A set of 90 doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from F(1) plants that originated from a cross between × Triticosecale Wittm. 'Saka3006' and ×Triticosecale Wittm. 'Modus', via wide crossing with maize, were used to create a genetic linkage map of triticale. The map has 21 linkage groups assigned to the A, B, and R genomes including 155 simple sequence repeat (SSR), 1385 diversity array technology (DArT), and 28 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers covering 2397 cM with a mean distance between two markers of 4.1 cM. Comparative analysis with wheat consensus maps revealed that triticale chromosomes of the A and B genomes were represented by 15 chromosomes, including combinations of 2AS.2AL#, 2AL#2BL, 6AS.6AL#, and 2BS.6AL# instead of 2A, 2B, and 6A. In respect to published maps of rye, substantial rearrangements were found also for chromosomes 1R, 2R, and 3R of the rye genome. Chromosomes 1R and 2R were truncated and the latter was linked with 3R. A nonhomogeneous distribution of markers across the triticale genome was observed with evident bias (48%) towards the rye genome. This genetic map may serve as a reference linkage map of triticale for efficient studies of structural rearrangements, gene mapping, and marker-assisted selection.

A consensus map of rye integrating mapping data from five mapping populations

A consensus map of rye (Secale cereale L.) was constructed using JoinMap 2.0 based on mapping data from five different mapping populations, including 'UC90' x 'E-line', 'P87' x 'P105', 'I(0.1)-line' x 'I(0.1)-line', 'E-line' x 'R-line', and 'Ds2' x 'RxL10'. The integration of the five mapping populations resulted in a 779-cM map containing 501 markers with the number of markers per chromosome ranging from 57 on 1R to 86 on 4R. The linkage sizes ranged from 71.5 cM on 2R to 148.7 cM on 4R. A comparison of the individual maps to the consensus map revealed that the linear locus order was generally in good agreement between the various populations, but the 4R orientations were not consistent among the five individual maps. The 4R short arm and long arm assignments were switched between the two population maps involving the 'E-line' parent and the other three individual maps. Map comparisons also indicated that marker order variations exist among the five individual maps. However, the chromosome 5R showed very little marker order variation among the five maps. The consensus map not only integrated the linkage data from different maps, but also greatly increased the map resolution, thus, facilitating molecular breeding activities involving rye and triticale.

A consensus map of chromosome 6R in rye (Secale cereale L.)

Four F(2) mapping populations derived from crosses between rye inbred lines DS2 x RXL10, 541 x Ot1-3, S120 x S76 and 544 x Ot0-20 were used to develop a consensus map of chromosome 6R. Thirteen marker loci that were polymorphic in more than one mapping population constituted the basis for the alignment of the four maps using the JoinMap v. 3.0 software package. The consensus map consists of 104 molecular marker loci including RFLPs, RAPDs, AFLPs, SSRs, ISSRs, SCARs, STSs and isozymes. The average distance between the marker loci is 1.3 cM, and the total map length is 135.5 cM. This consensus map may be used as a source of molecular markers for the rapid development of new maps of chromosome 6R in any mapping population.

Meiotic genes and proteins in cereals

We review the current status of our understanding and knowledge of the genes and proteins controlling meiosis in five major cereals, rye, wheat, barley, rice and maize. For each crop, we describe the genetic and genomic infrastructure available to investigators, before considering the inventory of genes and proteins that have roles to play in this process. Emphasis is given throughout as to how translational genomic and proteomic approaches have enabled us to circumvent some of the intractable features of this important group of plants.

A novel resource for genomics of Triticeae: BAC library specific for the short arm of rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome 1R (1RS)

BACKGROUND

Genomics of rye (Secale cereale L.) is impeded by its large nuclear genome (1C approximately 7,900 Mbp) with prevalence of DNA repeats (> 90%). An attractive possibility is to dissect the genome to small parts after flow sorting particular chromosomes and chromosome arms. To test this approach, we have chosen 1RS chromosome arm, which represents only 5.6% of the total rye genome. The 1RS arm is an attractive target as it carries many important genes and because it became part of the wheat gene pool as the 1BL.1RS translocation.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that it is possible to sort 1RS arm from wheat-rye ditelosomic addition line. Using this approach, we isolated over 10 million of 1RS arms using flow sorting and used their DNA to construct a 1RS-specific BAC library, which comprises 103,680 clones with average insert size of 73 kb. The library comprises two sublibraries constructed using HindIII and EcoRI and provides a deep coverage of about 14-fold of the 1RS arm (442 Mbp). We present preliminary results obtained during positional cloning of the stem rust resistance gene SrR, which confirm a potential of the library to speed up isolation of agronomically important genes by map-based cloning.

CONCLUSION

We present a strategy that enables sorting short arms of several chromosomes of rye. Using flow-sorted chromosomes, we have constructed a deep coverage BAC library specific for the short arm of chromosome 1R (1RS). This is the first subgenomic BAC library available for rye and we demonstrate its potential for positional gene cloning. We expect that the library will facilitate development of a physical contig map of 1RS and comparative genomics of the homoeologous chromosome group 1 of wheat, barley and rye.

New genetic map of rye composed of PCR-based molecular markers and its alignment with the reference map of the DS2 x RXL10 intercross

A new genetic map of rye, developed by using the 541 x Ot1-3 F2 intercross, consists of 148 marker loci, including 99 RAPDs, 18 SSRs, 14 STSs, 9 SCARs and 7 ISSRs, and spans the distance of 1401.4 cM. To the 7 rye chromosomes, 8 linkage groups were assigned and compared with the reference map of the DS2 x RXL10 F2 intercross by using 24 common markers. The 2 combined maps contain altogether 611 marker loci (70-109 per chromosome) and constitute a substantial source of information useful for further genomic studies in rye. From 21 to 37 RAPD marker loci are distributed randomly along each chromosome length and their total number for all 7 rye chromosomes is 177. This abundance of RAPD marker loci in the rye genetic map can be exploited for development of SCARs in regions containing important genes or QTL.

Mapping of QTLs for androgenetic response based on a molecular genetic map of x Triticosecale Wittmack

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for androgenetic response were mapped in a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from the F1 hybrid of 2 unrelated varieties of triticale, 'Torote' and 'Presto'. A molecular marker linkage map of this cross was previously constructed using 73 DH lines. This map contains 356 markers (18 random amplified 5 polymorphic DNA, 40 random amplified microsatellite polymorphics, 276 amplified fragment length polymorphisms, and 22 simple sequence repeats) and was used for QTL analysis. The genome was well covered, and of the markers analysed, 336 were located in 21 linkage groups (81.9%) identified using SSR markers. The map covered a total length of 2465.4 cM with an average of 1 marker for each 6.9 cM. The distribution of the markers was not homogeneous across the 3 genomes, with 50.7% detected in the R genome. Several QTLs were found for the following variables related to the androgenetic response: number of embryos/100 anthers; plants regenerated from 100 embryos; number of green plants/total number of plants; and number of green plants/1000 anthers. Two were detected on chromosome 6B and 4R, which together had a 30% total influence on the induction of embryos. Another was found on 6B and on the unidentified LG1; these influenced the production of total plants from haploid embryo cultures. One QTL on chromosome 3R determined the photosynthetic viability of the haploid plantlets regenerated from microspores. Other QTLs were found on chromosomes 1B, 1R, 4R, and 7R, which helped the control of the final androgenetic response (the number of plantlets obtained for every 1000 anthers cultured).

Identification of variation in adaptively important traits and genome-wide analysis of trait-marker associations in Triticum monococcum

Einkorn wheat Triticum monococcum (2n=2x=14, A(m)A(m)) is one of the earliest domesticated crops. However, it was abandoned for cultivation before the Bronze Age and has infrequently been used in wheat breeding. Little is known about the genetic variation in adaptively important biological traits in T. monococcum. A collection of 30 accessions of diverse geographic origins were characterized for phenotypic variation in various agro-morphological traits including grain storage proteins and endosperm texture, nucleotide-binding site (NBS) domain profiles of resistance (R) genes and resistance gene analogues (RGAs), and germination under salt and drought stresses. Forty-six SSR (single sequence repeat) markers from bread wheat (T. aestivum, 2n=6x=42, AABBDD) A genome were used to establish trait-marker associations using linear mixed models. Multiple significant associations were identified, some of which were on chromosomal regions containing previously known genetic loci. It is concluded that T. monococcum possesses large genetic diversity in multiple traits. The findings also indicate that the efficiency of association mapping is much higher in T. monococcum than in other plant species. The use of T. monococcum as a reference species for wheat functional genomics is discussed.

Secale cereale inter-microsatellites (SCIMs): chromosomal location and genetic inheritance

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to locate Sectale cereale (inter-simple sequence repeat ISSR) or Secale cereale inter-microsatellite (SCIM) markers using wheat-rye addition lines in order to develop a set of molecular markers distributed on the seven rye chromosomes. The number of SCIM markers located on 1R, 2R, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R and 7R chromosomes were 4, 3, 12, 3, 2, 9 and 8, respectively. Therefore, a total of 41 new SCIMs were located on the seven rye chromosomes. The segregation of the 63 different SCIM markers in three different F2 was studied. The observed ISSR segregations were the 3:1 (50.7%), the 15:1 (12.7%) and the 1:1 (14.2%). The linkage analysis carried out indicated that seven of the segregating SCIMs were linked to chromosome 7R and two were linked to chromosome 4R. The use of the SCIM markers as a source of molecular markers that could be linked to interesting genes or other important agronomic traits is discussed.

The use of microsatellite markers for the detection of genetic similarity among winter bread wheat lines for chromosome 3A

Previous studies with chromosome substitution and recombinant inbred chromosome lines identified that chromosome 3A of wheat cv. Wichita contains alleles that influence grain yield, yield components and agronomic performance traits relative to alleles on chromosome 3A of Cheyenne, a cultivar believed to be the founder parent of many Nebraska developed cultivars. This study was carried out to examine the genetic similarity among wheat cultivars based on the variation in chromosome 3A. Forty-eight cultivars, two promising lines and four substitution lines (in duplicate) were included in the study. Thirty-six chromosome 3A-specific and 12 group-3 barley simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs were used. A total of 106 polymorphic bands were scored. Transferability of barley microsatellite markers to wheat was 73%. The coefficient of genetic distance (D) among the genotypes ranged from 0.40 to 0.91 and averaged D=0.66. Cluster analysis by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages showed one large and one small cluster with eight minor clusters in the large cluster. Several known pedigree relationships largely corresponded with the results of SSR clusters and principal coordinate analysis. Cluster analysis was also carried out by using 22 alleles that separate Wichita 3A from Cheyenne 3A, and three clusters were identified (a small cluster related to Cheyenne of mainly western Nebraska wheat cultivars; a larger, intermediate cluster with many modern Nebraska wheat cultivars; a large cluster related to Wichita with many modern high-yielding or Kansas wheat cultivars). Using three SSR markers that identify known agronomically important quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions, we again separated the cultivars into three main clusters that were related to Cheyenne or Wichita, or had a different 3A lineage. These results suggest that SSR markers linked to agronomically important QTLs are a valuable asset for estimating both genetic similarity for chromosome 3A and how the chromosome has been used in cultivar improvement.

Transferability of SSR markers among wheat, rye, and triticale

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are a valuable tool for many purposes, such as mapping, fingerprinting, and breeding. However, they are only available in some economically important crops because of the high cost and labor intensity involved in their development. Comparative mapping reveals a high degree of colinearity between closely related species, which allows the exchange of markers between them. Our objective was to examine the transferability of SSR markers among wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), rye ( Secale cereale L.), and triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack). One hundred forty-eight wheat and 28 rye SSR markers were used to amplify genomic DNA extracted from five lines each of wheat, rye, and triticale. Transferability of wheat SSR markers to rye was 17%, whereas 25% of rye markers were amplifiable in wheat. In triticale, 58% and 39% transferability was achieved for wheat and rye markers, respectively. Wheat markers gave an average of 2.6, 2.7, and 2.4 polymorphic bands in wheat, rye, and triticale, respectively, while rye markers gave an average of 2.0 in rye and none in wheat and triticale. These transferable markers can now be exploited for further genetic and breeding studies in these species.

Development of PCR-based markers linked to dominant genes for male-fertility restoration in Pampa CMS of rye (Secale cereale L.)

Cytoplasmatic male sterility (CMS) is the basis for commercial hybrid seed production of rye. Nuclear restorer genes are indispensable for a complete restoration of fertility of the CMS lines. The drawbacks of current European restorer lines require the utilisation of new genetic resources that have been recently detected in an Iranian primitive rye population (IRAN IX) and an Argentinean landrace (Pico Gentario). The introgression of these effective restorer genes (Rfp1 and Rfp2, respectively) into breeding material can be facilitated by marker-assisted selection. Using two F(2) populations based on crosses between the non-restorer inbred line Lo6 and the restorer IRAN IX, as well as Pico Gentario, RAPDs and AFLPs were screened and led to a closely linked marker set for each of these genes. The conversion of the closest markers into fragment-specific sequence-characterised amplified region (SCAR) markers resulted in flanking ranges of 2.9 cM (Rfp1) and 5.2 cM (Rfp2). The application of these markers in backcross programmes is discussed.

Excess heterozygosity contributes to genetic map expansion in pea recombinant inbred populations

Several plant genetic maps presented in the literature are longer than expected from cytogenetic data. Here we compare F(2) and RI maps derived from a cross between the same two parental lines and show that excess heterozygosity contributes to map inflation. These maps have been constructed using a common set of dominant markers. Although not generally regarded as informative for F(2) mapping, these allowed rapid map construction, and the resulting data analysis has provided information not otherwise obvious when examining a population from only one generation. Segregation distortion, a common feature of most populations and marker systems, found in the F(2) but not the RI, has identified excess heterozygosity. A few markers with a deficiency of heterozygotes were found to map to linkage group V (chromosome 3), which is known to form rod bivalents in this cross. Although the final map length was longer for the F(2) population, the mapped order of markers was generally the same in the F(2) and RI maps. The data presented in this analysis reconcile much of the inconsistency between map length estimates from chiasma counts and genetic data.

Identification and physical localization of useful genes and markers to a major gene-rich region on wheat group 1S chromosomes

The short arm of Triticeae homeologous group 1 chromosomes is known to contain many agronomically important genes. The objectives of this study were to physically localize gene-containing regions of the group 1 short arm, enrich these regions with markers, and study the distribution of genes and recombination. We focused on the major gene-rich region ("1S0.8 region") and identified 75 useful genes along with 93 RFLP markers by comparing 35 different maps of Poaceae species. The RFLP markers were tested by gel blot DNA analysis of wheat group 1 nullisomic-tetrasomic lines, ditelosomic lines, and four single-break deletion lines for chromosome arm 1BS. Seventy-three of the 93 markers mapped to group 1 and detected 91 loci on chromosome 1B. Fifty-one of these markers mapped to two major gene-rich regions physically encompassing 14% of the short arm. Forty-one marker loci mapped to the 1S0.8 region and 10 to 1S0.5 region. Two cDNA markers mapped in the centromeric region and the remaining 24 loci were on the long arm. About 82% of short arm recombination was observed in the 1S0.8 region and 17% in the 1S0.5 region. Less than 1% recombination was observed for the remaining 85% of the physical arm length.

Chromosomal location and genetic mapping of the mismatch repair gene homologs MSH2, MSH3, and MSH6 in rye and wheat

The efficiency of homeologous recombination is influenced by mismatch repair genes in bacteria, yeast, and mammals. To elucidate a possible role of these genes in homeologous pairing and cross-compatibility in plants, gene probes of wheat (Triticum aestivum) specific for the mismatch repair gene homologues MSH2, MSH3, and MSH6 were used to map them to their genomic positions in rye (Secale cereale). Whereas MSH2 was mapped to the short arm of chromosome 1R, MSH3 was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 2R and MSH6 to the long arm of chromosome 5R. Southern blots with nullisomic-tetrasomic (NT) lines of wheat indicated the presence of the sequences on the respective homeologous group of wheat chromosomes. Additionally, an MSH6-specific homologue could also be detected on homoeologous group 3 of wheat. However, in the well-known, highly homoeologous pairing wheat mutant ph1b the MSH6-specific sequence is not within the deleted part of chromosome 5BL, indicating that the pairing phenotype is not due to a loss of one of the mismatch repair genes tested.

Development of simple sequence repeat markers in rye (Secale cereale L.)

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), also referred to as microsatellites, represent a PCR-based marker system that has been described in mammalian and plant genomes in recent years. In self-pollinating crop plants they have been shown to be superior to other DNA markers with respect to their level of polymorphism. The technical advantages compared with RFLP markers should also facilitate marker analysis in outcrossing crops like rye. In order to determine the usefulness of SSR markers in rye genetics and breeding, several genomic libraries were screened for (CT/GA)n and (GT/CA)n dinucleotide repeats. It was estimated that these motifs occur at a frequency of one per 268-519 kb. Seventy four out of 182 positive clones were sequenced, and the majority (56.8%) revealed perfect repeats, predominantly of the type (GT/CA)n (61.9%). Fifty seven primer pairs were designed and 27 (47.4%) resulted in specific SSR markers, of which 20 were genetically mapped or assigned to chromosomes or chromosome arms, respectively. The level of polymorphism of four SSR and three RFLP markers was assessed in two open-pollinated rye cultivars. On average, the SSR markers showed larger values of expected heterozygosity (0.62 vs. 0.43) and allele number (5.9 vs. 3.4) than RFLP markers in both cultivars.Key words: simple sequence repeats, microsatellites, mapping, rye, Secale cereale.

RFLP mapping of a gene for hairy leaf sheath using a recombinant line from Hordeum vulgare L. ×Hordeum bulbosum L. cross

A gene conditioning hairy leaf sheath character, which was derived from Hordeum bulbosum and designated Hsb, was mapped using a cross between Hordeum vulgare and a H. vulgare/H. bulbosum recombinant line. The Hsb locus was tagged relative to eight RFLP markers detecting three loci on the distal part of chromosome 4HL. The map position suggests that Hsb of H. bulbosum is homoeologous to the gene Hp1 of rye (Secale cereale), which pleiotropically governs the traits hairy leaf sheath and hairy peduncle. It is proposed that the recombination break point between H. vulgare and H. bulbosum chromosomes occured at a position homoeologous compared with the 4L/5L translocation in Triticeae genomes, and may reflect a hot spot for chromosome breakage.Key words: Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum bulbosum, comparative mapping, hairy leaf sheath, RFLP.