In vitro induction of tetraploids in colchicine-treated cocoyam plantlets

A self-compatible (SC) variant of a wild diploid potato species, Solanum chacoense, which is normally self-incompatible (SI), was investigated for the nature and genetics of self-compatibility. It was crossed with a SI cultivated diploid potato species, S. phureja. The F₁ progeny segregated SC vs. SI. Diallel crosses were made among 15 F₁'s. Self-compatibility was tested in a selfed family of a parental SC variant and in sib-mated and selfed families of F₁ progeny. All the data suggest that there is a single dominant gene (Sli) with sporophytic action inhibiting S gene expression in the pollen. Plants having a ‘Sli’ gene, produce pollen which is compatible to its own parent and plants with similar S genes. The ‘Sli’ gene has been maintained in a heterozygous condition through eight selfing generations (S₈) implying that dominant homozygotes might be associated with lethality. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Development of molecular linkage maps in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) using sequence‐related amplified polymorphism markers

Sweet potato is an important food crop with high starch content. It is a hexaploid species, for which the chromosomes have not yet been well characterized. In this study, we used 856 SRAP primer pairs to analyse the 240 individuals from a mapping population, which were derived from a hybrid F₁ generation of ‘Luoxushu 8’ (female) and ‘Zhengshu 20’ (male). Genetic linkage maps of the two parents were constructed. In the female parent (‘Luoxushu 8’), the linkage map consisted of 1391 markers, and the length of the linkage map was estimated to be 10,188.4 cM with an average distance of 7.17 cM between markers. In the male parent (‘Zhengshu 20’), the final linkage map consisted of 1,112 markers, and the estimated length of the map was 9,165.17 cM with an average distance of 8.40 cM between markers. Our results provide a basis for the detailed characterization of sweet potato chromosome sequences and the development of related molecular markers.     

A biosystematic study of the origin of the cultivated diploid potato,Solanum x Ajanhuiri Juz. et Buk.

Summary The origin and nature of the diploid cultivated potato species S. ajanhuiri Juz. et Buk. was studied. Several lines of evidence indicate that S. ajanhuiri might be derived from natural crosses between primitive cultivars of the diploid species S. stenotomum and the wild species S. megistacrolobum. Morphological comparisons were made between S. stenotomum x S. megistacrolobum F₁ hybrids and naturally occurring S. ajanhuiri to investigate this hypothesis. Comparisons were also made between S. ajanhuiri x S. stenotomum crosses and the F₂ generation of the first-mentioned cross.Crosses between the two major groups of S. ajanhuiri cultivars, Ajawiri and Yari, showed not only genetic breakdown but also a wide range of phenotypic variation similar to those of artificial F₂ families of S. stenotomum x S. megistacrolobum. Furthermore, there was strong evidence showing that the Yari group of S. ajanhuiri could almost certainly be an F₁ S. stenotomum x S. megistacrolobum hybrid, whereas the Ajawiri group could be a backcross of an F₁ hybrid to S. stenotomum. These results added further support to the hypothesis of a hybrid origin of S. ajanhuiri, as well as indicating its putative parents. It is suggested that this hybridogenic taxon be retained at the species level under the name Solanum x ajanhuiri.     

Construction of a linkage map for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai) using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Summary A linkage map for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) was constructed on the basis of RADP, ribosomal DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), isozyme, and morphological markers using F₁BC1. A segregating population of 78 individuals was the result of a backcross of a cultivated inbred line (H-7; Citrullus lanatus; 2n=22) and a wild form (SA-1; C. lanatus; 2n=22), in which the latter was the recurrent (male) parent. A total of 69 RAPD, one RFLP, one isozyme, and three morphological markers was found to segregate in the BC1 population. Linkage analysis revealed that 62 loci could be mapped to 11 linkage groups that extended more than 524 centimorgans (cM), while 12 loci segregated independently of all other markers. The locus for exocarp color was linked to two RAPD markers within a region of 5 cM on linkage group 4. The locus for flesh color was linked to a RAPD marker within a region of 30 cM on linkage group 6. The isozyme marker GOT was located on the linkage group 1. Linkage group 2 contained a locus for ribosomal DNA within 5 cM of a RAPD marker. Half of the RAPD markers on the linkage group 7 displayed severely distorted segregation. The construction of linkage map using molecular markers is necessary for the breeding of watermelon to introduce useful gene of wild watermelon efficiently. However the linkage map that was constructed for the most part on the basis of RAPD markers could not cover significant parts of the genome, the linkage map provides breeders of watermelons the possibility of tagging useful agronomic traits, as well as the gene for exocarp color.Abbreviations RAPD random amplified polymorphic DNA - RFLP restriction fragment length polymorphism - GOT glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase - MDH malate dehydrogenase - ACP acid phosphatase - 6PGH 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase     

Late blight resistance in a diploid full-sib potato family

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is the most destructive disease of potato worldwide. As this pathogen can rapidly overcome major race‐specific resistance genes, identifying the basis for enhanced quantitative resistance has become a crucial element for implementing advanced breeding strategies. A population of 230 full‐sib progeny derived from a cross between two diploid hybrid Solanum phureja × S. stenotomum clones was evaluated for foliage resistance against late blight in replicated trials at multiple locations in Pennsylvania between 1999 and 2002. In field experiments, plants were evaluated visually for per cent defoliation, and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was determined. The two parents and three control cultivars (‘Atlantic’, ‘Kennebec’ and ‘Katahdin’) were included in all trials. In all three experiments, the presence of a significant number of clones exhibiting transgressive segregation were observed. There were significant differences among environments as well as among clones, and the clone × environment interaction was also significant. Stability analysis revealed that 37 clones made a significant contribution to the overall environment × clone interaction. Broad‐sense heritability for resistance, measured as AUDPC, was estimated as 0.67. The overall results indicate the presence in this potato family of a high level of field resistance against late blight. This segregating diploid family appears to be a good candidate for quantitative trait loci mapping to identify and characterize the genetic components of partial late blight resistance.     

RFLP/AFLP mapping of a brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) resistance gene Bph1 in rice

We have constructed a linkage map of the rice brown planthopper (BPH)resistance gene, Bph1. RFLP and AFLP markers were selected by thebulked segregant analysis and used in the mapping study of 262 F₂sthat were derived from a cross of `Tsukushibare', a susceptible japonica cultivar, and `Norin-PL3', an authentic japonicaBph1-introgression line. Twenty markers were mapped within a 28.9-cMregion containing the Bph1 locus on the long arm of rice chromosome12. Combining the result of segregation analysis of BPH resistance by themass seedling test and that of the markers, the Bph1 locus wasmapped within a 5.8-cM region between two flanking markers. The closestAFLP markers, em5814N and em2802N, was at 2.7 cM proximal to theBph1 locus. Together with the previously constructed high-resolutionmap of bph2 locating the locus at ca. 10 cM proximal to the Bph1 locus, this improved version of the linkage map would facilitatepyramiding these two important BPH resistance genes.     

Mapping of a novel,major late blight resistance locus in the diploid (1EBN) Mexican Solanum pinnatisectum Dunal on chromosome VII

Late blight caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary (Pi) is the most important foliar disease of potato worldwide. An intraspecific hybrid between individuals of a resistant and a susceptible S. pinnatisectum accession was backcrossed to the susceptible parent to generate a segregating population for late blight resistance consisting of 84 plants. In detached‐leaflet assays, reaction to late blight segregated in a 1r:1s manner in BC₁ progeny indicating the presence of a single dominant resistance gene. A genetic map was constructed based on 1,583 DArT/SSR markers which were allocated to 12 linkage groups, covering 1,793.5 cM with an average marker distance of 1.1 cM. The late blight resistance locus derived from S. pinnatisectum was mapped on chromosome VII. In comparison with the previously reported resistance genes Rpi1 and Rpi2, the new target resistance locus most likely is located on the opposite arm of chromosome VII. Results of this study will serve as a basis for future fine mapping of the late blight resistance locus and the development of locus‐specific markers for marker‐assisted selection.     

Development of SCAR markers linked to the Ns locus in potato

A random amplified polymorphic DNA marker OPG17₄₅₀ linked to the Ns gene that confers resistance of potato to potato virus S (PVS), was used to develop sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. After cloning and sequencing of OPG17₄₅₀ new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed to generate dominant (SCG17₃₂₁) and codominant (SCG17₄₄₈) markers. For SCG17₄₄₈, polymorphism between susceptible and resistant genotypes was recovered after digestion of the marker with the restriction enzyme Muni. In addition to the band corresponding to ‘susceptible’ allele that does not contain the Muni cleavage site, two bands of approximately 251 bp and 197 bp were observed in the resistant genotypes. The usefulness of these SCAR markers was verified in diploid potatoes possessing the Ns locus from clone G‐LKS 678147/60, and in tetraploid potatoes derived from G‐LKS 678147/60 and from clone MPI 65118/3.     

基于侯选基因标记的四倍体马铃薯休眠QTL关联分析

休眠期是马铃薯(SolanumtuberosumL.)重要的块茎性状之一,寻找调控马铃薯块茎休眠的关键基因,揭示其分子机制以选育具有适宜休眠期长度的马铃薯品种,对于解决当前马铃薯产业中过长或过短休眠期带来的经济损失和食品安全隐患等问题十分关键。前期研究在二倍体马铃薯连锁群体中定位了6个加性休眠QTL,本研究拟在四倍体马铃薯育种材料中验证这些休眠QTL。基于休眠QTL连锁的候选基因标记,采用混合线性模型(MLM),模型中考虑群体结构和亲缘关系(Q+K),在四倍体马铃薯自然群体St-hzau中对马铃薯块茎休眠期进行了关联分析。5号染色体上休眠QTL DorB5.3连锁的候选基因标记S199_300和GWD (根据葡聚糖水双激酶α-glucan water dikinase基因设计)与马铃薯块茎休眠期具有显著的关联(P0.05),分别解释了休眠期表型变异的7.8%和3.2%,分别能增加休眠期7.1 d和4.5 d,即在二倍体马铃薯连锁群体中定位的稳定主效休眠QTL DorB5.3在四倍体马铃薯关联群体St-hzau中也表现显著, DorB5.3的稳定性在关联分析结果中得到了验证,表明候选基因标记策略在马铃薯块茎休眠QTL关联分析中是一种有效的策略。本研究所验证的主效休眠QTL DorB5.3及相应连锁标记可以直接用于马铃薯休眠育种。据此可以推测GWD可能在控制还原糖含量和块茎休眠2个方面均发挥作用,马铃薯块茎休眠机制与还原糖含量变化机制可能存在着部分交叉。     

Introgression of the low browning trait from the wild Mexican species Solanum hjertingii into cultivated potato (S. tuberosum L.)

Internal discoloration of tubers resulting from impact damage (blackspot bruise) is a serious quality problem in potato production and utilization, reducing profits to growers and increasing costs for processors. Resistance to blackspot bruise has been identified in the wild species Solanum hjertingii and is therefore a potential germplasm resource for genetic resistance to this problem. A bridging cross between S. hjertingii and a cultivated diploid clone was used to produce a triploid hybrid population that exhibited very low tuber browning potential, indicating a dominant pattern of inheritance for this trait. The triploid progeny were subjected to in vitrochromosome doubling and the resulting hexaploid clones were screened for browning potential. A hexaploid clone selected for low browning was reciprocally crossed with cultivated S. tuberosum cultivars exhibiting high susceptibility to blackspot bruise. Tubers obtained from the seed progeny of these 4x-6x crosses (hereafter referred to as the BC₁ populations) were evaluated for browning potential and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. Tubers from the BC₁ populations displayed a very low potential for melanin production, while PPO activity was quite variable. The low Pearson correlation coefficient (r² = 0.45), between browning potential and PPO activity suggests that the mechanism of blackspot bruise resistance derived from S. hjertingii cannot be explained simply as a reduction in the initial PPO activity. The expression of substantial resistance to browning and dominant expression pattern in these BC₁ progeny indicate that utilizing genetic elements derived from S. hjertingii provides a robust approach for developing blackspot bruise resistant potato varieties. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Molecular Mapping of a Pollen Killer Gene S29(t) in Oryza Glaberrima and Co-Linear Analysis with S22 in O. Glumaepatula

Two species in genus Oryza, O. glaberrima and O. glumaepatula, are valuable and potential sources of useful genes of interest for rice improvement. However, the hybrid sterility between O. sativa and these two species is a main reproduction barrier when transferring the favorable traits/genes to mbox{O. sativa.} To overcome it, the nature of hybrid sterility should be understood further. The objective in the report is to map a new hybrid sterility gene as a Mendelian factor from O. glaberrima and analyze the co-linear of hybrid sterility S loci mbox{between} mbox{O. glaberrima} and mbox{O. glumaepatula} via comparative mapping approach. A BC₂F₂ population, derived from a single semi-sterility plant of BC₂F₁ of WAB56-104/ WAB450-11-1-2-P41-HB (WAB450-6) //WAB56-104///WAB56-104 was employed to map this pollen killer in O. glaberrima since WAB450-6 is a progeny of interspecific hybrid between O. sativa and O. glaberrima. A new pollen killer locus, S29(t) in O. glaberrima, was identified and mapped to interval between SSR marker RM7033 (1.1 cM) and RM7562 (1.3 cM) on rice chromosome 2. Comparative mapping indicated that S29(t) closely corresponded to S22 which is also a pollen killer gene in O. glumaepatula and is tightly linked with RFLP marker S910 on the short arm of rice chromosome 2. The good co-linear between S29(t) and S22 implied that there might exist common (orthologous) hybrid sterility loci controlled the reproduction barrier among AA genome species of genus Oryza, which will contribute significantly to our understanding of speciation and operation of hybrid sterility between O. sativa and its AA genome relatives.     

The Attempted Transfer of Male Sterility from the Cornerstone Mutant of Tetraploid Wheat to Diploid Wheat

An attempt was made to transfer male-sterility, mslc, from the Cornerstone mutant of tetraploid wheat to diploid wheat. The N-banding technique revealed that chromosome 4 A of tetraploid wheat does not pair with chromosome 4 of diploid wheat in triploid F₁ hybrids: consequtntly the transfer of male-sterility gene(s) from tetraploid wheat to diploid was not successful. The culchiane induced ampliploids possessing AAAABB in mslc background were fully fertile indicating the complete compensation of mslc by the newly introduced A genome of T. monocaccum. The fertility compensating gene(S) presumably located on chromosome 4 of diploid wheat may be used to produce hybrid wheat by the XYZ system.     

Occurrence of self-compatibility, self-incompatibility and unilateral incompatibility after crossing diploid S. tuberosum (SI) with S. verrucosum (SC): I. Expression and inheritance of self-compatibility

Diploid Solanum tuberosum (tbr), 2n=2x=24,can be crossed with S. verrucosum (ver) only when the latter is used as a pistillate parent but not reciprocally. This conforms to the phenomenon of unilateral incompatibility (UI) where a self-compatible species, like ver (SC) cannot be used as a male parent to cross with a self-incompatible (SI) parent like tbr. Even if ver × tbr hybrids are made, the F1 hybrids possess cytoplasmic male sterility and thus hinder genetic analysis of crossing barriers. Exceptionally, however, some diploid genotypes of tbr (SI) can be used as pistillate parents to cross with ver, and such exceptional tbr clones are called `acceptors'. Repeated backcrossing of acceptors to ver have resulted in male fertile genotypes that possess tbr cytoplasm and ver nucleus. These genotypes were used for the genetic analysis of `acceptance' and UI in thse experiments. It was found that acceptance of ver-pollen by tbr-pistils is based on a dominant gene A that expresses only in the absence of an inhibitor I. In the F₁ hybrids, only the S-allele of tbr was expressedbut not that of ver. Concomitant with this observation, it was shown that ver does not produce style-specific S-glycoproteins that are responsible for self-incompatible reaction in diploid potato. Although the the F₁ populations were SC, they segregated into SC and SI genotypes giving skewed segregation ratios for this trait. Because of this as well as the disappearance and re-appearance of SC trait in the offspring generations, it was necessary to postulate a more complex interaction between A and I. Models are presented in order to explain acceptance, non-acceptance and the expression of UI. It is concluded that at least four different loci are involved in the expression of UI. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Molecular mapping of S-c, an F1 pollen sterility gene in cultivated rice

Hybrids between indica and japonica rice varieties usually show partial sterility, and are a major limiting factor in the utilization of heterosis at subspecific level. When studying male-gamete (pollen) abortion, a possibly important cause for sterility, six loci (S-a, S-b, S-c, S-d, S-e and S-f) for F₁ pollen sterility were identified. Here we report genetic and linkage analysis of S-c locus using molecular markers in a cross between Taichung 65, a japonica variety carrying allele S-c ^j, and its isogenic line TISL5, carrying alleleS-c ^j. Our results show that pollen sterility occurring in the hybrids is controlled by one locus. We used 208 RFLP markers, as well as 500 RAPD primers, to survey the polymorphism between Taichung 65 and TISL5. Six RFLP markers located on a small region of chromosome 3, detected different RFLP patterns. Co-segregation analysis of fertility and RFLP patterns with 123 F₂ plants confirmed that the markers RG227, RG391, R1420 were completely linked with the S-c locus. The genetic distances between the markers C730, RG166 and RG369 and the S-c locus were 0.5 cM, 3.4 cM, and 3.4 cM respectively. Distorted F₂ ratios were also observed for these 4 RFLP markers in the cross. This result suggests that the `one locus sporo-gametophytic' model could explain F₁ hybrid pollen sterility in cultivated rice. RG227, the completely linked marker, has been converted to STS marker for marker-assisted selection. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A new powdery mildew resistance gene: Introgression from wild emmer into common wheat and RFLP-based mapping

An Israeli accession (TTD140) of wild emmer, Triticum turgidum var. dicoccoides, was found resistant to several races of powdery mildew. Inoculation of the chromosome-arm substitution lines (CASLs) of TTD140, in the background of the Israeli common wheat cultivar ‘Bethlehem’ (BL), with five isolates of powdery mildew revealed that only the line carrying the short arm of chromosome 2B of wild emmer (CASL 2BS) exhibited complete resistance to four of the five isolates. To map and tag the powdery mildew resistance gene, 41 recombinant substitution lines, derived from a cross between BL and CASL 2BS, were used to construct a linkage map at the gene region. The map, which encompasses 69.5 cM of the distal region of chromosome arm 2BS, contains six RFLP markers, a morphological marker (glaucousness inhibitor, W1 ^I), and the powdery mildew resistance gene. Segregation ratios for resistance in F₂ of BL × CASL 2BS and in the recombinant lines, combined with the susceptability of F₁ progeny to all tested isolates, indicate that resistance is controlled by a single recessive allele. This alleleco-segregated with a polymorphic locus detected by the DNA marker Xwg516, 49.4 cM from the terminal marker Xcdo456. The new powdery mildew resistance gene was designated Pm26. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Comparison of diploid and tetraploid potato families derived from Solanum phureja x dihaploid S. tuberosum hybrids and their vegetatively doubled counterparts

Summary To determine whether in potatoes the tetraploid level is preferable to the diploid level, especially regarding tuber yield, four diploid (2n=2×=24) Solanum phureja x dihaploid S. tuberosum hybrid parents and their vegetatively doubled, tetraploid (2n=4×=48) counterparts were intermated, which resulted in two F₁ hybrid families at both levels of ploidy. The parents and clones of the F₁ families and their offspring were used in crosses in such a way that in addition Sib₁, Sib₂, F₁×Sib₁, BC₁ and Sib₁×Sib₁ families were produced. Of the first clonal generation of the 12 2 x families and their 12 counterpart 4 x families two tubers per clone were planted in three replications in a field experiment at Sturgeon Bay in 1969; of the parents six tubers were planted in each replication. Data were recorded on 16 characters, including plant height at four different times.The ANOVA's showed significant clone effects within each family for all characters. Computed from all family means as well as from the family means per ploidy level, differences due to family were also significant for all characters except one.As at the 2 x level and at the 4 x level of ploidy the mean phenotypic correlations between characters were of similar magnitude, it is concluded that they are independent of ploidy level.With the exception of eye depth, the mean coefficient of variation was greater at the 2 x than at the 4 x level of ploidy, indicating the greatest response to selection for those characters at the 2 x level. From the differences in family means between the 4 x and the 2 x level of ploidy it was apparent that the 4 x families generally had significantly taller plants, later maturity, fewer tubers, higher mean tuber weight, more tuber yield and more dry matter yield than their counterpart 2 x families. In contrast, the 4 x parents had on the average shorter plants, lower mean tuber weight, much lower tuber yield and lower dry matter yield than their 2 x counterparts.The phenotypic correlation and Spearman's rank correlation between the family means of the 2 x and the 4 x level of ploidy were positive for almost all characters and significant for nearly half of them.From the results it is concluded that 1. in potatoes the 4 x level of ploidy is preferable to the 2 x level, and 2. the performance of 4 x families is predictable from the performance of their counterpart 2 x families.Based on results mentioned in the literature and on the present results, a continued use of S. tuberosum dihaploids in potato breeding needs to be dissuaded.     

Mapping and genetic analysis of two fertility restorer loci in the wild-abortive cytoplasmic male sterility system of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Hybrid varieties developed by making use of the wild abortive cytoplasmic male sterility system account for 90% of hybrid rice produced. Previous inheritance studies have established that the fertility restoration in this system is controlled by two major loci, but the chromosomal locations of the fertility restorer (Rf) loci have yet to be resolved. In this study we determined the genomic locations of the two Rf loci by their linkage to molecular markers. The Rf gene containing regions were identified by surveying two bulks, made of 30 highly fertile and 46 highly sterile plants from a large F₂ population of the cross between Zhenshan 97A and Minghui 63, with RFLP markers covering the entire rice genome. The survey identified two likely Rf gene containing regions, located on chromosomes 1 and 10 respectively. This was confirmed by ANOVA using a large random sample from the same F₂ population and also with a genome-wide QTL analysis of a test-cross population. The results also showed that both loci have major effects of almost complete dominance on fertility restoration and the effect of the locus on chromosome 10 is larger than the one on chromosome 1. The two loci acted as a pair of classical duplicate genes; a single dominant allele at one of the two loci would suffice to restore the fertility to normal or nearly normal. Closely linked markers identified in this study may be used for marker assisted selection in hybrid rice breeding programs. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Orientation and integration of the classical and molecular genetic maps of chromosome 11 in rice

Summary The classical genetic map and molecular map of rice chromosome 11 were oriented to facilitate the use of these maps for genetic studies and rice improvement. Three morphological markers (d-27, z-2, and la) were crossed to a rice breeding line, IRBB21, which has the Xa-21 gene for bacterial blight resistance. Three F₂ populations were analyzed with RFLP markers known to be located on chromosome 11. Segregation analysis of molecular markers and morphological markers was used to construct an RFLP map for each population. The recombination frequency between markers varied from population to population although the marker order on the maps was the same for all three populations. Based on a common set of markers mapped in the three populations, an integrated map was generated consisting of both RFLP and morphological markers. The genetic distance between markers on this map was determined by taking a weighted average of the data from the three populations. The oriented map serves as a bridge to understand the relationship between the classical and molecular linkage maps. Based on this information, the location of several genes on the classical map can be approximated with respect to RFLP markers without having to map them directly.     

Molecular characterization of the progeny of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum etuberosum</Emphasis> identifies a genomic region associated with resistance to potato leafroll virus

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV; Genus Polerovirus; Family Luteoviridae) is one of the most important virus pathogens of potato worldwide and breeders are looking for new sources of resistance. Solanum etuberosum Lindl., a wild potato species native to Chile, was identified as having resistances to PLRV, potato virus Y, potato virus X, and green peach aphid. Barriers to sexual hybridization between S. etuberosum and cultivated potato were overcome through somatic hybridization. Resistance to PLRV has been identified in the BC₁, BC₂ and BC₃ progeny of the somatic hybrids of S. etuberosum (+) S. tuberosum haploid × S. berthaultii Hawkes. In this study, RFLP markers previously mapped in potato, tomato or populations derived from S. palustre (syn S. brevidens) × S. etuberosum and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed from tomato and potato EST sequences were used to characterize S. etuberosum genomic regions associated with resistance to PLRV. The RFLP marker TG443 from tomato linkage group 4 was found to segregate with PLRV resistance. This chromosome region has not previously been associated with PLRV resistance and therefore suggests a unique source of resistance. Synteny groups of molecular markers were constructed using information from published genetic linkage maps of potato, tomato and S. palustre (syn. S. brevidens) × S. etuberosum. Analysis of synteny group transmission over generations confirmed the sequential loss of S. etuberosum chromosomes with each backcross to potato. Marker analyses provided evidence of recombination between the potato and S. etuberosum genomes and/or fragmentation of the S. etuberosum chromosomes.