The genetic map of finger millet, Eleusine coracana.

Dida, Mathews M.; Srinivasachary; Ramakrishnan, Sujatha; Bennetzen, Jeffrey L.; Gale, Mike D.; Devos, Katrien M.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), expressed-sequenced tag (EST), and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to generate a genetic map of the tetraploid finger millet ( Eleusine coracana subsp. coracana) genome (2 n = 4 x = 36). Because levels of variation in finger millet are low, the map was generated in an inter-subspecific F2 population from a cross between E. coracana subsp. coracana cv. Okhale-1 and its wild progenitor E. coracana subsp. africana acc. MD-20. Duplicated loci were used to identify homoeologous groups. Assignment of linkage groups to the A and B genome was done by comparing the hybridization patterns of probes in Okhale-1, MD-20, and Eleusine indica acc. MD-36. E. indica is the A genome donor to E. coracana. The maps span 721 cM on the A genome and 787 cM on the B genome and cover all 18 finger millet chromosomes, at least partially. To facilitate the use of marker-assisted selection in finger millet, a first set of 82 SSR markers was developed. The SSRs were identified in small-insert genomic libraries generated using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes. Thirty-one of the SSRs were mapped. Application of the maps and markers in hybridization-based breeding programs will expedite the improvement of finger millet.

PLANT gene mapping; MILLETS; RESTRICTION fragment length polymorphisms; PLANT hybridization; CROP germplasm; PLANT breeding

Theoretical & Applied Genetics, 2007, Vol 114, Issue 2, p321

0040-5752

Academic Journal

10.1007/s00122-006-0435-7