Construction of a linkage Map in Capsicum annuum L. Using RAPD Markers and Identification of Two QTLs.

A linkage map of Capsicum annuum L. was constructed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers followed in a backcross population of an intraspecific cross between cultivars HDA210 and Yatsufusa. A total of 420 random primers were tested and 311 polymorphic bands were generated by 158 random primers. Among them, 86 Yatsufusa specific bands generated by 52 primers were examined for mapping. Most bands except three segregated in Mendelian fashion fitting the expected 1:1 ratio. The total length of the map was 533 cM distributed in 15 linkage groups. The map distance between adjacent markers ranged 0 to 32.8 cM, with an average distance of 9.1 cM (63 markers). Some markers were clustered and this may be due to the amplification of a repetitive sequence by the RAPDs. Primer pairs for a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) were developed and the segregation scores by the SCAR primers were in accordance with the RAPD data. Two QTL markers for number of axillary shoots and for early flowering were developed. One QTL for early flowering located in the linkage group 3 and explained 61 "io of the phenotypic variation. The other QTL for the number of axillary shoots located in the linkage group 4 explained 55 % of the phenotypic variation.tion.