Genetic linkage maps in maize based on RAPD and RFLP markers

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) markers were used to costruct two genetic linkage maps for maize (Zea mays L.). 300 primers were screened to select 132 that amplified a total of 467 markers in two F₂ populations. 216 RAPD marker loci were identified which conformed to the expected 3:1 Mendelian ratio. Twelve and eighteen RFLPs loci were placed on the two RAPDs marker maps. RFLP analysis of the maize genome included non-radioactive DNA-DNA hybridization detection using chemiluminescence. For F₂ population of G58 x G62, a map of 104 RAPDs and 12 RFLP markers were costructed to cover 2026 cM, whereas, for F₂ population of G7 x G34, 112 RAPDs and 14 RFLPs were linked and covered 2189 cM of the maize genome. The linked polymorphic marker loci of both maps were distributed among 10 linkage groups representing the ten maize chromosomes.