Application of RFLP Analysis to Genetic Linkage Mapping in Peaches

Abstract

Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] is considered the best genetically characterized species of the genus Prunus. We therefore used it as a model in our study of the genome organization in Prunus by means of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RPLPs). Initial results indicated that 60% of cloned DNA sequences examined occur at low copy number within the peach genome. After selecting and examining these sequences, polymorphisms sufficient for RPLP mapping were found. We determined that ≫33% of our cDNA clones and 20% of our genomic clones detected RPLPs among peach cultivars. Analysis of RPLP segregation in two families, both of which segregate for known morphological characters, revealed segregation in 12 RFLP markers for one family and 16 for the other. Although we have not detected linkage between RFLP and morphological markers, preliminary analyses indicate possible linkage between two RPLP markers.