Development of genetic markers in celery based on restriction fragment length polymorphisms

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics
• Molecular biology
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is an important vegetable crop with limited genetic resources.
• Understanding gene linkage is crucial for marker-assisted selection and crop improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a genetic linkage map for celery.
• To identify and map 34 genetic markers, including RFLP, isozyme, and morphological traits.

Main Methods:

• A cross was performed between cultivated celery and an annual accession (A143).
• F2 segregation analysis of 136 plants was used for mapping.
• Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and isozyme markers were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A genetic map spanning 318 centiMorgans (cM) was constructed with 8 linkage groups.
• 34 markers (21 RFLP, 11 isozyme, 2 morphological) were integrated into the map.
• Six markers exhibited significant deviations from expected Mendelian ratios in the F2 generation.

Conclusions:

• The developed genetic map provides a valuable tool for celery genetic research.
• This map can facilitate gene discovery and the implementation of marker-assisted breeding in celery.
• Further studies can utilize this map to investigate traits like disease resistance and yield.