A consensus linkage map identifies genomic regions controlling fruit maturity and beta-carotene-associated flesh color in melon (Cucumis melo L.).

The nutritional value and yield potential of US Western Shipping melon (USWS; Cucumis melo L.) could be improved through the introgression of genes for early fruit maturity (FM) and the enhancement of the quantity of beta-carotene (QbetaC) in fruit mesocarp (i.e., flesh color). Therefore, a set of 116 F(3) families derived from the monoecious, early FM Chinese line 'Q 3-2-2' (no beta-carotene, white mesocarp) and the andromonoecious, late FM USWS line 'Top Mark' (possessing beta-carotene, orange mesocarp) were examined during 2 years in Wisconsin, USA to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with FM and QbetaC. A 171-point F(2-3) based map was constructed and used for QTL analysis. Three QTL associated with QbetaC were detected, which explained a significant portion of the observed phenotypic variation (flesh color; R (2) = 4.0-50.0%). The map position of one QTL (beta-carM.E.9.1) was uniformly aligned with one carotenoid-related gene (Orange gene), suggesting its likely role in QbetaC in this melon population and putative relationship with the melon white flesh (wf) gene. Two major (FM.6.1 and FM.11.1; R (2) >or= 20%) and one minor QTL (FM.2.1; R (2) = 8%) were found to be associated with FM. This map was then merged with a previous recombinant inbred line (RIL)-based map used to identify seven QTL associated with QbetaC in melon fruit. This consensus map [300 molecular markers (187 co-dominant melon and 14 interspecific; 10 LG)] provides a framework for the further dissection and cloning of published QTL, which will consequently lead to more effective trait introgression in melon.

Mapping of genetic loci that regulate quantity of beta-carotene in fruit of US Western Shipping melon (Cucumis melo L.).

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is highly nutritious vegetable species and an important source of beta-carotene (Vitamin A), which is an important nutrient in the human diet. A previously developed set of 81 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from Group Cantalupensis US Western Shipper market type germplasm was examined in two locations [Wisconsin (WI) and California (CA), USA] over 2 years to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with quantity of beta-carotene (QbetaC) in mature fruit. A moderately saturated 256-point RIL-based map [104 SSR, 7 CAPS, 4 SNP in putative carotenoid candidate genes, 140 dominant markers and one morphological trait (a) spanning 12 linkage groups (LG)] was used for QbetaC-QTL analysis. Eight QTL were detected in this evaluation that were distributed across four LG that explained a significant portion of the associated phenotypic variation for QbetaC (R (2) = 8 to 31.0%). Broad sense heritabilities for QbetaC obtained from RIL grown in WI. and CA were 0.56 and 0.68, respectively, and 0.62 over combined locations. The consistence of QbetaC in high/low RIL within location across years was confirmed in experiments conducted over 2 years. QTL map positions were not uniformly associated with putative carotenoid genes, although one QTL (beta-car6.1) interval was located 10 cM from a beta-carotene hydroxylase gene. These results suggest that accumulation of beta-carotene in melon is under complex genetic control. This study provides the initial step for defining the genetic control of QbetaC in melon leading to the development of varieties with enhanced beta-carotene content.

Detection of QTL for yield-related traits using recombinant inbred lines derived from exotic and elite US Western Shipping melon germplasm.

The inheritance of yield-related traits in melon (Cucumis melo L.; 2n = 2x = 24) is poorly understood, and the mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for such traits has not been reported. Therefore, a set of 81 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) was developed from a cross between the monoecious, highly branched line USDA 846-1 and a standard vining, andromonoecious cultivar, 'Top Mark'. The RIL, parental lines, and three control cultivars ('Esteem', 'Sol Dorado', and 'Hales Best Jumbo') were grown at Hancock, WI and El Centro, CA in 2002, and evaluated for primary branch number (PB), fruit number per plant (FN), fruit weight per plant (FW), average weight per fruit (AWF), and percentage of mature fruit per plot (PMF). A 190-point genetic map was constructed using 114 RAPD, 43 SSR, 32 AFLP markers, and one phenotypic trait. Fifteen linkage groups spanned 1,116 cM with a mean marker interval of 5.9 cM. A total of 37 QTL were detected in both locations (PB = 6, FN = 9, FW = 12, AWF = 5, and PMF = 5). QTL analyses revealed four location-independent factors for PB (pb1.1, pb1.2, pb2.3, and pb10.5), five for FN (fn1.1, fn1.2, fn1.3, fn2.4, and fn8.8), four for FW (fw5.8, fw6.10, fw8.11, and fw8.12), two for AWF (awf1.3 and awf8.5), and one for PMF (pmf10.4). The significant (P

Molecular phylogeny of Cucumis species as revealed by consensus chloroplast SSR marker length and sequence variation.

To investigate phylogenetic relationships in the genus Cucumis, 9 consensus chloroplast simple sequence repeat (ccSSR) primer pairs (ccSSR3, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, and 23) were employed for DNA fragment length variation and 5 amplified fragments, ccSSR4, 12, 13, 19, and 20, were sequenced using total DNA from 13 accessions representing 7 African Cucumis species (x = 12), 3 Cucumis melo L. (x = 12) accessions, 2 Cucumis sativus L. (x = 7) accessions, and 1 Cucumis hystrix Chakr. (x = 12) accession. A Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai (x = 11) accession was used as an outgroup. While fragment length analysis revealed the existence of 3 major species clusters (i.e., a group of African Cucumis species, a group composed of C. melo accessions, and a group containing C. sativus and C. hystrix species), sequence variation analysis identified 2 major species clusters (i.e., a group of African Cucumis species and a group composed of C. melo, C. sativus, and C. hystrix species). Comparative analysis using nuclear DNA (previous studies) and cpDNA sequence substitution data resulted in the placement of C. melo and C. sativus in different cluster groupings. Thus, both nuclear and cytoplasmic DNA should be employed and compared when a putative progenitor or specimens of an ancestral Cucumis species lineage is investigated. In addition, C. ficifolius (2x) and C. aculeatus (4x) of the African Cucumis species clustered together in this study. This result does not agree with reported isozyme analyses, but does agree with previously characterized chromosome homologies between these 2 species. Although African Cucumis species and C. hystrix do not share a close relationship, genetic affinities between C. sativus and C. hystrix are considerable. Combined evidence from previously published studies and data presented herein lend support to the hypothesis that C. hystrix is either a progenitor species of C. sativus or that they at least share a common ancestral lineage.

Construction of two BAC libraries from cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and identification of clones linked to yield component quantitative trait loci.

Two bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries were constructed from an inbred line derived from a cultivar of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Intact nuclei were isolated and embedded in agarose plugs, and high-molecular-weight DNA was subsequently partially digested with BamHI or EcoRI. Ligation of double size-selected DNA fragments with the pECBAC1 vector yielded two libraries containing 23,040 BamHI and 18,432 EcoRI clones. The average BamHI and EcoRI insert sizes were estimated to be 107.0 kb and 100.8 kb, respectively, and BAC clones lacking inserts were 1.3% and 14.5% in the BamHI and EcoRI libraries, respectively. The two libraries together represent approximately 10.8 haploid cucumber genomes. Hybridization with a C(0)t-1 DNA probe revealed that approximately 36% of BAC clones likely carried repetitive sequence-enriched DNA. The frequencies of BAC clones that carry chloroplast or mitochondrial DNA range from 0.20% to 0.47%. Four sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR), four simple sequence repeat, and an randomly amplified polymorphic DNA marker linked with yield component quantitative trait loci were used either as probes to hybridize high-density colony filters prepared from both libraries or as primers to screen an ordered array of pooled BAC DNA prepared from the BamHI library. Positive BAC clones were identified in predicted numbers, as screening by polymerase chain reaction amplification effectively overcame the problems associated with an overabundance of positives from hybridization with two SCAR markers. The BAC clones identified herein that are linked to the de (determinate habit) and F (gynoecy) locus will be useful for positional cloning of these economically important genes. These BAC libraries will also facilitate physical mapping of the cucumber genome and comparative genome analyses with other plant species.

Inheritance and linkage relationships of isozyme loci in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

Genetic analyses were conducted among 18 provisionary isozyme loci in Cucumis sativus L. Fourteen loci demonstrated simple Mendelian inheritance while observed variation at four loci (Gpi2, Gr2, Pgm3, Skdh2) was determined not to have a predictable genetic basis. Joint segregation analyses among the 14 genetically predictable polymorphic loci resulted in the assignment of 12 loci to four linkage groups. Linkage groups contain the following loci: (1) Gr1, Pgm1, Idh, Pgd1; (2) Pep-pap, Mdh2, Mdh3, Gpi1; (3) Pep-la, Per4; (4) Pgd2, G2dh. Mpi2 and Mdh1 segregated independently. Recombination fractions for linked loci ranged between 0.051 (Pgm1-Idh) to 0.385 (Pep-la-Per4). Some practical applications of isozyme marker loci for cucumer improvement are discussed.

Inheritance and linkage relationships of isozyme and morphological loci in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

Twenty-one polymorphic and 17 monomorphic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) isozyme loci were identified in 15 enzyme systems. Seven of the polymorphic loci (Ak-2, Ak-3, Fdp-1, Fdp-2, Mpi-1, Pep-gl, and Skdh) had not been described previously. Segregation in F2 and BC families for isozyme and morphological loci demonstrated agreement with the expected 1∶2∶1 and 1∶1 segregation ratio (P<0.01). Nine morphological markers were found to be linked to isozyme loci and were integrated to form a map containing four linkage groups spanning 584 cM with a mean linkage distance of approximately 19 cM. Linkage groups (A to D) contain the following loci in genetic order: A psl, Pep-la, B, Per, dm, Pgm, Mpi-1, Idh, Ar, Fdp-1, Ak-2, Pgd-1, Mpi-2 and gl; B lh, Mdh-2, Pep-gl, Pgd-2, Fdp-2, Ccu, Mdh-3, Ak-3, ll, de, F and Mdh-1, and Gr; C cor, Gpi, and Skdh; D Tu and ss. This study detected four new linkages between morphological markers (dm-psl, de-ll, ll-F, and de-F) and confirmed previously reported linkages, dm-Ar and Tu-ss. The isozyme/morphological map constructed in this study led to a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic relationships between several economically important traits.

Inheritance of seed weight in Cucumis sativus (L.) var. sativus and var. hardwickii (Royle) Kitamura.

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the inheritance of seed weight in cucumber. Matings between a Cucumis sativus var. sativus (Cs) L. inbred line (USDA WI 1606; P1) and a C. sativus var. hardwickii (Royle) Kitamura (Ch) collection (PI 215589; P2) were made to produce seed of reciprocal F1, F2, and BC1 families. Families were grown under field and greenhouse conditions, and seeds were extracted from fruit 55 to 60 days post-pollination. Seed of F1 and F2 families was obtained using the Cs inbred WI2808 (P12) and the Ch collection LJ 90430 (P10), and seed of F1 families were produced using a North Carolina Design II mating scheme in which three Cs (P3= GY-14; P4=WI 1379; P5=WI 1909) inbreds were used as maternal parents and seven Ch collections (P2; P6= PI462369; P7=486336; P8=LJ91176; P9=273469; P10= 2590430; P11=PI187367) were used as paternal parents. Mean seed weights of F1 progeny reflected the dominance of genes of the C. sativus var. sativus parent. Transformation to number of seeds per unit weight resulted in increased variance homogeneity within generations and a broad-sense heritability ranging between 26% to 56%. Additive and dominance effects were important in the expression of seed weight in P1×P2 progeny produced in the greenhouse and additive effects were important in field grown progeny resulting from P1×P2 and P10×P12 matings. The estimated number of factors or loci involved ranged between 10 to 13, depending on the method of calculation.

Genetic mapping and QTL analysis of horticultural traits in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) using recombinant inbred lines.

A set of 171 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) were developed from a narrow cross in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.; 2n = 2 x = 14) using the determinate ( de), gynoecious ( F), standard-sized leaf line G421 and the indeterminate, monoecious, little-leaf ( ll) line H-19. A 131-point genetic map was constructed using these RILs and 216 F(2) individuals to include 14 SSRs, 24 SCARs, 27 AFLPs, 62 RAPDs, 1 SNP, and three economically important morphological [ F (gynoecy), de (determinate habit), ll (little leaf)] markers. Seven linkage groups spanned 706 cM with a mean marker interval of 5.6 cM. The location of F and de was defined by genetic linkage and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to be associated with SSR loci CSWCT28 and CSWCTT14 at 5.0 cM and 0.8 cM, respectively. RIL-based QTL analysis of the number of lateral branches in three environments revealed four location-independent factors that cumulatively explained 42% of the observed phenotypic variation. QTLs conditioning lateral branching (mlb1.1), fruit length/diameter ratio (ldr1.2) and sex expression (sex1.2) were associated with de. Sex expression was influenced by three genomic regions corresponding to F and de both on linkage Group 1, and a third locus (sex6.1) on linkage Group 6. QTLs conditioning the number of fruit per plant (fpl1.2), the number of lateral branches (mlb1.4) and fruit length/diameter ratio (ldr1.3) were associated with ll. The potential value of these marker-trait associations (i.e., yield components) for plant improvement is portended by the relatively high LOD scores (2.6 to 13.0) and associated R(2) values (1.5% to 32.4%) that are affiliated with comparatively few genetic factors (perhaps 3 to 10).

Comparative analysis of response to phenotypic and marker-assisted selection for multiple lateral branching in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.).

Yield increase in processing cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) is positively correlated with an increase in number of fruit-bearing branches. Multiple lateral branching (MLB) is a metric trait controlled by at least five effective factors. Breeding efficacy might be improved through marker-assisted selection (MAS) for MLB. Experiments were designed to independently confirm previously determined linkage of molecular markers (L18-2-H19A SNP, CSWTAAA01 SSR, CSWCT13 SSR, W7-2 RAPD and BC-551 RAPD) to MLB, and to determine their utility in MAS. These markers were present in significantly higher frequency than expected (1, presence:3, absence; p < 0.001) in BC(2) plants selected based on a high MLB phenotype (BC(2)PHE). However, markers that were considered selectively neutral fit the expected segregation of donor parent DNA in BC(2) progeny. Markers linked to MLB were used in MAS of BC(1) and BC(2) plants to produce BC(2)MAS, and BC(3)MAS progeny. Means for MLB in MAS populations were compared with backcross populations developed through phenotypic selection (BC(2)PHE, BC(3)PHE) and by random mating where no selection had been applied (BC(2)RND, BC(3)RND). Statistical analysis showed no significant differences ( p < 0.001) between means of phenotypic (BC(2)PHE = 3.02, BC(3)PHE = 3.29) and marker-aided selection (BC(2)MAS = 3.12, BC(3)MAS = 3.11) for MLB. However, both phenotypic and MAS population means were significantly higher than the random control (BC(2)RND = 2.27, BC(3)RND = 2.41) for MLB. Thus, given the observed response to selection and the rapid life-cycle of cucumber (4 months), markers linked to MLB when used in MAS will most likely be effective tools in cucumber improvement.

Inheritance of seed dormancy in Cummis sativus var. hardwickii (Royle) Alef.

Reciprocal matings were made between two Cucumis sativus var. sativus L. inbred lines (WI 1606 and WI 2808) and two var. hardwickii (Royle) Alef. accessions (PI 215589 and PI 183967). Each case produced a series of reciprocal F1, F2, and BC1 and BC2 progenies which were used to evaluate seed dormancy in var. hardwickii. Under controlled conditions (25°±1°C and 85%±5% RH; 12 h fluorescent light, 30 µmol s(-1) m(-2)), no seed dormancy was observed in the var. sativus inbred lines 36 days following seed extraction from fruit. With rare exception, var. hardwickii accessions were dormant for at least 60 days. Seed dormancy in the F1 was absent 36 days post extraction, indicating that dormancy in var. hardwickii is conditioned by recessive genes present. Seed of some F1 progeny germinated between 36 and 50 days post-extraction, indicating the presence of transient dormancy or the more variable expression of the dormancy of var. hardwickii. No significant reciprocal differences in either germination rate or percentage were detected in either of the F1 and F2 progeny sets, suggesting lack of cytoplasmic or maternal control over these traits. It was estimated that three to seven factors or loci are involved with the expression of this trait depending on the method of calculation, and that a complex interaction between embryonic and non-embryonic tissue exists. Least square estimates indicate that both additive and dominance effects were important in the expression of dormancy. Comparison of theoretical geometric and arithmetic F2 means to observed F2 means also suggests that non-additive gene action contributes substantially to the observed variation. Broad-sense heritability ranged between 78 and 95%.

Identification of a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase gene linked to the female (F) locus that enhances female sex expression in cucumber.

Sex determination in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is controlled largely by three genes: F, m, and a. The F and m loci interact to produce monoecious (M_f_) or gynoecious (M_f_) sex phenotypes. Ethylene and factors that induce ethylene biosynthesis, such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) and auxin, also enhance female sex expression. A genomic sequence (CS-ACS1) encoding ACC synthase was amplified from genomic DNA by a polymerase chain reaction using degenerate oligonucleotide primers. Expression of CS-ACS1 is induced by auxin, but not by ACC, in wounded and intact shoot apices. Southern blo hybridization analysis of near-isogenic gynoecious (MMFF) and monoecious (MMff) lines derived from divers genetic backgrounds revealed the existence of an additional ACC synthase (CS-ACS1G) genomic sequence in the gynoecious lines. Sex phenotype analysis of a segregating F2 population detected a 100% correlation between the CS-ACS1G marker and the presence of the F locus. The CS-ACS1G gene is located in linkage group B coincident with the F locus, and in the population tested there was no recombination between the CS-ACS1G gene and the F locus. Collectively, these data suggest that CS-ACS1G is closely linked to the F locus and may play a pivotal role in the determination of sex in cucumber flowers.

Linkages among RFLP, RAPD, isozyme, disease-resistance, and morphological markers in narrow and wide crosses of cucumber.

A 58-point genetic map was constructed with RFLP, RAPD, isozyme, morphological, and disease-resistance markers spanning 766 cM on ten linkage groups for a cross within the cultivated cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. sativus). Relatively few DNA polymorphisms were detected, agreeing with previous studies documenting a narrow genetic base for cucumber. Most RFLPs within the cultivated cucumber appear to be changes at restriction-enzyme sites. Sixty-four percent of RAPD markers that fit expected ratios at P<0.001 were unlinked, possibly due to poor amplification and the inefficiency of dominant markers to detect linkage in an F2 family. A 70-point linkage map, spanning 480 cM on ten linkage groups, was constructed with RFLP, isozyme, morphological, and diseaseresistance markers for a cross between the cultivated cucumber and the wild or feral C. sativus var. hardwickii. Unlinked markers and more linkage groups than chromosome pairs indicated that both maps were not saturated. Twentyone markers doubly segregated in both families and regions of colinearity were identified.

Genetic analysis of Spanish melon ( Cucumis melo L.) germplasm using a standardized molecular-marker array and geographically diverse reference accessions.

Genetic relationships among 125 Spanish melon ( Cucumis melo L.) accessions from a Spanish germplasm collection were assessed using a standard molecular-marker array consisting of 34 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers bands (19 primers) and 72 reference accessions drawn from previous studies. The reference accession array consisted of a broad range [Japanese (19) Crete (17), African (15), and USA and Europe (US/EU, 21)] of horticultural groupings (Group Cantalupensis, Group Conomon, Group Inodorus, Group Flexuosus, and Group Chito), and of melon market classes (e.g., Charentais, U.S. Western and European Shipper types, Ogen, and Galia, Honeydew, and Casaba). Spanish melon accessions (largely Casaba, Group Inodorus) were genetically distinct from the reference accessions and other Group Inodorus melons of different origins. Most African accessions showed common genetic affinities, and grouped with the Group Chito and the Group Conomon accessions examined. Those accession groupings were distinct from all other accessions belonging to Group Cantalupensis, Flexuosus, and Inodorus accessions originating from Crete, Japan, Europe, and the U.S. Genetic diversity was highest in accessions of African origin and lowest in accessions of Spanish origin. Additional RAPD markers (49 primers, 141 bands) and 22 selected agronomic traits (quantitative and qualitative) were then used to assess the genetic diversity among Spanish accessions. While cluster analysis using fruit characteristics grouped accessions into cultivars, RAPD-based genetic-distance estimate did not provide consistent accession groupings either by cultivar or geographic origin. While the highest level of polymorphism was detected among melons originating from the central region of Spain, and in the Rochet cultivar, accessions from the Andalucía region and Green cultivars were comparatively less diverse. These results indicate that the Spanish melon accessions could be used to broaden the genetic base of local and foreign Casaba germplasm, to enhance the genetic diversity of U.S and European commercial melon germplasm, and to delineate collection strategies for acquisition of additional Spanish landraces.

Towards an expanded and integrated linkage map of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

Linkage maps in cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. sativus L.) have been constructed using morphological traits, isozymes, restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), and random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). The lack of polymorphism in cucumber has led to the construction of relatively unsaturated maps (13- to 80-point). We have added amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to existing narrow-based (within C. sativus) and wide-based (C. sativus x C. sativus var. hardwickii) maps. JOINMAP v. 2.0 was used to construct maps and to join these with historical maps from several previous studies. Our narrow- and wide-based merged maps contain 255 and 197 markers, respectively, including morphological traits, disease resistance loci, isozymes, RFLPs, RAPDs, and AFLPs. Condensation of total map distance occurred in merged maps compared to historic maps using many of the same markers. This phenomenon is most likely due to differences in map construction algorithms. The merged maps represent the best fit of the data used and are an important first step towards the construction of a comprehensive linkage map for cucumber. Identification of additional anchor markers between the narrow- and wide-based maps presented here may allow their future integration into a unified model.

Genetic diversity in Cucumis sativus L. assessed by variation at 18 allozyme coding loci.

The genetic diversity of the U.S. Cucumis sativus L. germplasm collection [757 plant introductions (PI) representing 45 countries] was assessed using 40 enzymes which represented 74 biochemical loci. Polymorphisms were observed at 18 loci (G2dh-1, Gpi-1, Gpi-2, Gr-1, Gr-2, Idh, Mdh-1, Mdh-2, Mdh-3, Mpi-2, Pepla-2, Peppap-2, Per-4, Pgd-1, Pgd-2, Pgm-1, Pgm-3, and Skdh). Two PIs (285606 and 215589) contained alleles [G2dh-1(1) and Per-4(2), respectively] which did not occur in any other PI. Other alleles which occurred in low frequencies (in < 1% of the PIs) included Gpi-1(3), Gpi-2(3), Gr-1(3), Gr-2(1), Idh(1), Mdh-1(2), Mdh-2(1), Peppap-2(1), and Pgd-1(1). Individual loci containing more than one allele in greater than 20% of the PIs included Mpi-2, Pepla-2, Pgd-2, and Pgm-1. Multivariate analyses aided in the reduction of data (principle components), depicted relationships among PIs (cluster), and identified the most discriminating enzyme loci (Pgm-1, Pepla-2, Gr-1, Pgd-2, Mpi-2, and Skdh) (classification and regression tree).

Genetic bases of isozyme variation for alkaline phosphatase and glucosephosphate isomerase in Solanum.

Genetic bases of isozyme phenotypes of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and glucosephosphate isomerase (GpI) from tuber extracts of potato species of the genus Solanum were investigated by starch gel electrophoresis. Data were obtained from reciprocal F1 matings of S. tuberosum X ssp. andigena (Juz. & Buk.) Hawkes and ssp. tuberosum X (S. phureja X S. chacoense) and BC1 matings where ssp. tuberosum was the recurrent parent. AKP and GPI are dimeric enzymes and the variation observed for each was found to be coded by single tetrasomic loci (Akp and Gpi) with three (A, A', A″) and five (G, G', G″, G‴, G[Symbol: see text]) alleles, respectively. Although the G‴ and G[Symbol: see text] encoded homodimers have similar electrophoretic mobilities, the specific enzymatic activity of the G[Symbol: see text] encoded homodimer is approximately 25% that of the G‴. The predictable genetic bases for these two enzymatic polymorphisms make them suitable for use as genetic markers in the potato. Chromosome mapping of the loci which encode these enzymes is now possible.

Simple sequence repeats in Cucumis mapping and map merging.

Thirty-four polymorphic simple-sequence repeats (SSRs) were evaluated for length polymorphism in melon (Cucumis melo L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). SSR markers were located on three melon maps (18 on the map of 'Vedrantais' and PI 161375, 23 on the map of 'Piel de Sapo' and PI 161375, and 16 on the map of PI 414723 and 'Dulce'). In addition, 14 of the markers were located on the cucumber map of GY14 and PI 183967. SSRs proved to be randomly distributed throughout the melon and cucumber genomes. Mapping of the SSRs in the different maps led to the cross-identification of seven linkage groups in all melon maps. In addition, nine SSRs were common to both melon and cucumber maps. The potential of SSR markers as anchor points for melon-map merging and for comparative mapping with cucumber was demonstrated.

Phenotypic responses of wild barley to experimentally imposed water stress.

Responses to water stress within a population of wild barley from Tabigha, Israel, were examined. The population's distribution spans two soil types: Terra Rossa (TR) and Basalt (B). Seeds were collected from plants along a 100 m transect; 24 genotypes were sampled from TR and 28 from B. Due to different soil water-holding capacities, plants growing on TR naturally experience more intense drought than plants growing on B. In a glasshouse experiment, water was withheld from plants for two periods (10 d and 14 d) after flag leaf emergence. A total of 15 agronomic, morphological, developmental, and fertility related traits were examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Ten of these traits were significantly affected by the treatment. A high degree of phenotypic variation was found in the population with significant genotypextreatment and soil typextreatment interactions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using combined control and stress treatment data sets. The first three principal components (pc) explained 88.8% of the variation existing in the population with pc1 (47.9%) comprising yield-related and morphological traits, pc2 (22.9%) developmental characteristics and pc3 (18.0%) fertility-related traits. The relative performance of individual genotypes was determined and water stress tolerant genotypes identified. TR genotypes were significantly less affected by the imposed water stress than B genotypes. Moreover, TR genotypes showed accelerated development under water deficit conditions. Data indicate that specific genotypes demonstrating differential responses may be useful for comparative physiological studies, and that TR genotypes exhibiting yield stability may have value for breeding barley better adapted to drought.