Linkage mapping in diploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

A genome map of cultivated alfalfa was constructed using segregating restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) in a diploid backcross population generated from noninbred parents. Among the 153 loci scored in 87 progeny, four segregation ratios were observed for codominant and dominant markers: 1:1, 1:2:1, 1:1:1:1, and 3:1. Deviations from expected Mendelian ratios (p < 0.05) were observed for 34% of the loci studied. A genome map was assembled from two separate linkage maps, each constructed from a subset of the segregation data. One linkage map was constructed from 46 RFLP and 40 RAPD markers segregating 1:1 from the F1 parent of the backcross and the other linkage map was constructed from 33 RFLP and 28 RAPD markers segregating 1:1 from the recurrent parent. Sixteen loci with alleles segregating 1:1 from both parents were used as locus bridges to align individual linkage groups between the two maps. The combined use of RFLPs and RAPDs was an effective method for developing an alfalfa genome map.