Development of a C. cardunculus linkage map based on SRAP, SSR, SNP markers and localization of phenotypic traits

Abstract

In order to develop a new linkage map of C. cardunculus L., an F1 mapping population was generated from an intraspecific cross between a local genotype of wild cardoon and the globe artichoke "Estrella del Sur FCA". The population was genotyped using a combination of molecular markers and 3 phenotypic traits. A total of 421 segregating loci were identified. The female parent map (988.09 cM) consisted in 127 loci, spread over 15 linkage groups (LGs), while the male one (578.2 cM) resulted in 112 loci, distributed in 10 major LGs. The alignment between the female and male maps, by using intercross markers, allowed to determine 17 major LGs. The phenotypic traits "Color Head" and "Spine Leaf" were included in the wild cardoon map, whereas "Spine Head" was positioned on the LG7 globe artichoke map. The presence of 48 loci in common between the present maps and the previously developed SSR-based linkage maps of the Cynara cardunculus species, allowed the alignment of the LGs. The developed maps represent important tools for the localization of interesting agronomic traits as well as for molecular-assisted breeding strategies and will be useful for the construction of an integrated map and for comparative genetics analysis.