Towards an expanded linkage map and exploration on co-dominant scoring of AFLPs in maize

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) have become the most important markers for molecular mapping. Primarily based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, extensive linkage maps of maize had been developed. To construct a near-saturated genetic linkage map, an expanded maize genetic linkage map was constructed using a population of 234 F2 individuals derived from a cross of X178 and B73 base on an essential SSR framework map of maize. The level of polymorphisms and genetic properties of SSR and AFLP markers were characterized. A total of 249 markers consisting of 130 SSRs and 119 AFLPs have been landed on 10 chromosomes of maize. The 249-locus map spanned 1 659.3 centi-morgans (cM) and had a mean density of 6.66 cM. This mapping population and related information should connect further research involving analysis of quantitative trait loci, comparative genomics, and heterosis. Moreover, in many studies, AFLPs were analyzed on the basis of the presence or absence of a band on the electrophoresis gels. A new method based on double polymorphic bands of co-dominant scoring of AFLPs was explored according to the similarity of loci amplified from AFLP enzyme combination.