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Our objectives were to construct a randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker-based linkage map using an F2 population derived from the melon (Cucumis melo) cross of ‘Deltex’ × TGR 1551, and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sucrose, total soluble solids (TSS), ratio of sucrose to total sugars (RSTS), and ascorbic acid as well as the ms-3 locus for male sterility previously reported in other muskmelon crosses. Due to the dominant character of RAPD markers, we scored 192 ‘Deltex’- and 158 TGR 1551-derived markers. One hundred eighty (94%) of the 192 markers fit the expected 3:1 ratio. On the basis of the 180 markers, we constructed a ‘Deltex’ linkage map of 171 markers distributed on 12 linkage groups (LGs) with a total map distance of 1182 cM. One hundred fifty (95%) of the 158 markers were identified to be nondistorted. We developed a TGR 1551 linkage map of 138 markers distributed on 12 LGs with a total distance of 1163 cM. A combined map of 12 LGs with a total map distance of 1394 cM was made from 82 marker pairs expressing codominance. Nine LGs were integrated into those of the existing composite map by 17 anchor markers. We mapped the ms-3 locus for male sterility on LG 9, which corresponds to LG 10 of the classical map and LG VII of the composite map. Six QTL for sucrose were located on LGs 2, 3, 4, 6, and 11. Three on LGs 3, 4, and 6 and four on LGs 2, 3, 6, and 11 of the six QTL for sucrose were also noted to be QTL for TSS and RSTS, respectively. A single QTL for ascorbic acid was placed on LG 5. This map will also be used to identify QTL for fruit sweetness, quality, size, and shape traits, as well as disease resistance.

Our objectives were to identify RAPD and andromonoecious (a) markers associated with QTL for sucrose using bulked segregant analysis in an F 2 population from the melon (Cucumis melo L.) cross of 'TAM Dulce' (high sucrose) × TGR1551 (low sucrose) in a greenhouse experiment, and confirm the association of RAPD and a markers with sucrose QTL in an F 2 population from the different cross of 'Deltex' (high sucrose) × TGR1551 in a field experiment. Continuous distributions for sucrose were observed in the F2 populations indicating quantitative inheritance for the trait. A significant positive correlation was found between sucrose and total soluble solids (TSS). Nine RAPD markers were detected to be significantly associated with QTL for sucrose in the F2 population of the 'TAM Dulce' × TGR1551 cross in the greenhouse based on simple linear regression. Five unlinked markers associated with QTL were significant in a stepwise multiple regression analysis where the full model explained 39% of the total phenotypic variation for sucrose. Three to five of the nine RAPD markers were also observed to be significantly associated with QTL for glucose, fructose and TSS, respectively, suggesting that in this cross four sugar traits are controlled by the same QTL. Four RAPD markers were confirmed in the F 2 population of the 'Deltex' × TGR1551 cross in the field to be consistently associated with sucrose QTL. A significant association of a with sucrose was consistently expressed in our populations under greenhouse and field environments.

Our objectives were to identify randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sucrose, total soluble solids (TSS), and sucrose percentage of total sugars (SPTS) using bulked segregant analysis in an F2 population from the melon (Cucumis melo L.) cross of `TAM Dulce' (high sugars) × TGR1551 (low sugars) in a greenhouse experiment, and confirm the associations of RAPD markers with QTL for these sugar traits in an F2 population from the different cross of `Deltex' (high sugars) × TGR1551 in a field experiment. Continuous distributions for sucrose, TSS, and SPTS were observed in the F2 populations indicating quantitative inheritance for the traits. Significant positive correlations were found between sucrose and TSS or SPTS. Nine RAPD markers were detected to be significantly associated with QTL for sucrose in the F2 population of the `TAM Dulce' × TGR1551 cross in the greenhouse based on simple linear regression. Five unlinked markers associated with QTL were significant in a stepwise multiple regression analysis where the full model explained 39% of the total phenotypic variation for sucrose. Five and seven of the nine RAPD markers associated with QTL for sucrose were also observed to be significantly associated with QTL for TSS and SPTS, respectively, suggesting that in this cross three sugar traits are controlled by the same QTL. Five RAPD markers were confirmed in the F2 population of the `Deltex' × TGR1551 cross in the field to be consistently associated with QTL for three sugar traits. Significant associations of andromonoecious (a) with both sucrose and TSS were consistently expressed in our populations under greenhouse and field environments. These RAPD and floral markers associated with the sugar synthesis QTL identified and confirmed here could be useful in melon breeding for improving the mature fruit sweetness.

White mold (WM), incited by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a serious disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). However, plant breeders have had very limited success in developing resistant (R) cultivars. Molecular markers linked to genes for R to WM may improve selection for R. The objective was to identify random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) for partial physiological resistance (PPR), partial field resistance (PFR), porosity over the furrow (POF), and plant height (PH) in a linkage map by means of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross 'PC-50' (R) x XAN-159 (susceptible). The parents and RILs were inoculated in two separate greenhouse experiments for each isolate and were also infected naturally in the field. Significant correlations (0.39, 0.47) were found for the WM reactions in the greenhouse and field. Nine candidate QTL were found affecting PPR isolate 152 (comparison-wise P < 0.05) with strong evidence (genome-wise P < 0.01) for three QTL on linkage groups (LGs) 4, 7, and 8, based on composite interval mapping analysis. Candidate QTL affecting PPR to isolate 279 were found on LGs 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 with very strong evidence (genome-wise P < 0.001) for a QTL linked to the C locus for seedcoat pattern. Seven candidate QTL for PFR were observed on LGs 4, 7, 8, and 11. Six of the seven candidate QTL for PFR were found in the same locations as QTL for PPR. However, two of the seven genomic regions were associated with PFR and POF that may contribute to disease avoidance.

Our objective was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed weight, length, and height segregating in a recombinant inbred line population derived from the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cross `PC-50' × XAN-159. The parents and progeny were grown in two separate greenhouse experiments in Nebraska, and in field plots in the Dominican Republic and Wisconsin. Data analysis was done for individual environments separately and on the mean over all environments. A simple linear regression analysis of all data indicated that most QTL appeared to be detected in the mean environment. Based on these results, composite interval mapping (CIM) analysis was applied to the means over environments. For seed weight, strong evidence was indicated for five QTL on common bean linkage groups (LGs) 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) indicated that these QTL explained 44% of the phenotypic variation for the trait. Weaker evidence was found for three additional candidate QTL on bean LGs 4, 5, and 8. All eight markers associated with these QTL were significant in a MRA where the full model explained 63% of the variation among seed weight means. For seed length, CIM results indicated strong evidence for three QTL on LG 8 and one on LG 2. Three additional putative QTL were detected on LGs 3, 4, and 11. The markers associated with the three seed length QTL on LG 8, and the QTL on LGs 2 and 11 were significant in a MRA with the full model explaining 48% of the variation among seed length means. For seed height, three QTL on LGs 4, 6, and 11 explained 36% of the phenotypic variation for trait means. Four of the seven QTL for seed length and two of three QTL for seed height also appeared to correspond to QTL for seed weight. Four QTL for common bacterial blight resistance [Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Smith Dye)] and for smaller seed size were associated on LGs 6, 7, and 8. The implications of these findings for breeders is discussed.

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. Phaseolus vulgaris, Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli, flower color, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, quantitative trait loci (QTL) ABSTRACT. Common bacterial blight, incited by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Xcp), is a serious disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and flower color (V gene) previously were reported to be associated with six quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting leaf and pod resistance to Xcp. However, the markers for the QTL were not confirmed in different populations and environments to indicate their merit in breeding. The objective was to determine if the associations of RAPD markers and the V gene with QTL for leaf and pod resistance to Xcp in a recombinant inbred (RI) backcross population from the cross BC 2F6 'PC-50' x XAN-159 and for leaf resistance to Xcp in an F2 population from a different cross pinto 'Chase' x XAN-159 could be confirmed. One or two genes from XAN-159 controlled leaf and pod resistance to Xcp. Among six QTL previously detected, five in the RI backcross population and three in the F 2 population were confirmed to be associated with resistance to Xcp. The V gene and RAPD marker BC437.1050 on linkage group 5 were most consistently associated with leaf and pod resistance to two to five Xcp strains in the RI backcross population and with leaf resistance to two Xcp strains in the F 2 population. One to three QTL affecting leaf and pod resistance to Xcp accounted for 22% to 61% of the phenotypic variation. Gene number (one to two) estimations and number of QTL (one to three) detected for leaf and pod resistance to Xcp in the RI backcross population were generally in agreement. The marker BC437.1050 and V gene, along with other resistance genes from other germplasm, could be utilized to pyramid the different genes into a susceptible or partially resistant bean line or cultivar to enhance the level of resistance to Xcp. The expression of QTL may differ over environments or populations in various crops. Among 29 QTL affecting fruit size, soluble solids concentration or pH in a tomato cross, only four QTL were expressed in three environments and 10 QTL were expressed in two environments (Paterson et al., 1991). Of seven QTL for seed size found in a common bean population, only one QTL was expressed in three environments and two QTL were expressed in two environments (Park et al., 1999). No common genomic region associated with QTL affecting plant height was found in four maize populations (Beavis et al., 1991). Only one QTL affecting resistance to Xcp was consistently expressed in four common bean populations (Jung et al., 1999). These are examples of genotype × environment interaction and genetic background affecting QTL expression. Identifying markers asso- ciated with QTL based on one environment and one population may be erroneous, especially QTL with minor effects (Beavis et al., 1991; Paterson et al., 1991). In a recombinant inbred (RI) population derived from the common bean cross BAC 6 x HT 7719, RAPD markers were associated with nine QTL affecting resistance to Xcp on a linkage map (Jung et al., 1996). When these RAPD markers were tested for confirmation in other common bean populations, only three QTL affecting resistance to Xcp in three plant organs, with two Xcp strains, and in three populations were consistently confirmed (Jung et al., 1999). The results show the importance of confirmation of the marker-QTL associations in a breeding program, particularly for traits like CBB resistance that have complex inheritance patterns, low narrow-sense herita- bilities, and a number of genes involved. Flower color (V gene) and RAPD markers were associated with six QTL affecting leaf and pod resistance to Xcp in a RI population (70 F6 lines) from the cross 'PC-50' x XAN-159 in greenhouse experiments (Jung et al., 1997). However, these marker-QTL associations have not been confirmed in other populations of the same cross and or a different cross, in different Common bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Xcp), is an important seed-transmitted disease in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Saettler, 1989). Resistant common bean cultivars are the most effective and economical strategy to control this disease (Schwartz and Galvez, 1981). Leaf, pod, and seed reactions to Xcp in some bean crosses show quantitative inheritance (Ariyarathne, 1994; Aggour and Coyne, 1989; Arnaud-Santana et al., 1994). Varying numbers of genes control leaf and or pod reactions to Xcp in different crosses and populations (Eskridge and Coyne, 1996; Silva et al., 1989). Leaf and pod reactions to Xcp in different common bean popula- tions have shown no (Coyne and Schuster, 1983; Aggour and Coyne, 1989), low (Arnaud-Santana et al., 1994), and intermedi- ate to high correlations (Ariyarathne, 1994; Rava et al., 1987). Molecular markers associated with resistance to Xcp in com- mon beans have been reported in several studies. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers (Nodari et al., 1993) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) mark- ers (Jung et al., 1996, 1997) associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting resistance to Xcp were reported in three linkage maps. RAPD markers associated with QTL affecting resistance to Xcp were detected using bulked segregant analysis (Miklas et al., 1996; Bai et al., 1997). Recently, RFLP markers linked to genes for resistance to Xcp were also detected (Yu et al., 1998).

Mature fruit size and shape are important traits of most melon types. Our objective was to identify RAPD markers associated with major QTL affecting fruit weight, length, diameter and shape by means of bulked segregant analysis in an F2 population from the ananas melon cross of Deltex (larger fruit size) × TGR1551 (smaller fruit size). Clear separations for fruit weight, length, diameter, and shape between Deltex and TGR1551 were observed. Continuous distributions for fruit weight, length, diameter and shape were found in the F2 population indicating quantitative inheritance for the fruit traits. Significant positive correlations were detected between fruit weight and shape traits (r = 0.73 to 0.80). A significant positive correlation was observed between fruit weight and glucose (r = 0.35) or fructose (r = 0.25), whereas no correlation was noted between fruit weight and sucrose or total soluble solids. Two small and large bulks for fruit weight and shape were developed from F2 plants. A total of 240 primers were used to simultaneously screen between the small and large bulks, and between Deltex and TGR1551. Twenty-six RAPD markers were polymorphic for the small and large bulks. Ten markers were found to be significantly and consistently associated with fruit size and shape traits on the basis of simple linear regression. Of the 10 markers associated, four displayed an amplified DNA fragment in the small bulk, while six showed an amplified DNA fragment in the large bulk. The associated marker OJ07.350 explained 15% to 27% of the phenotypic variation for the fruit traits. These markers associated with QTL for melon fruit size and shape are expected to be useful in melon breeding programs for modifying fruit size.

The ratio of individual sugar compositions is an important fruit quality trait in muskmelon. Our objective was to identify RAPD markers associated with QTL for percentage of each individual sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) using bulked segregant analysis in an F2 population derived from the melon cross of `TAM Dulce' (high sucrose percentage of total sugars) x TGR1551 (low sucrose percentage of total sugars). Continuous distributions for sucrose, glucose, and fructose percentages of total sugars were observed in the genetic population indicating quantitative inheritance for the traits. A significant positive correlation was observed between sucrose percentage and sucrose (r= 0.89) or soluble solids (r= 0.33), whereas a significant negative correlation was noted between sucrose percentage and glucose percentage (r = –0.85) or fructose percentage (r = –0.58). A total of 500 primers was used to screen between low and high DNA bulks for three individual sugar percentages. Ten RAPD markers, four amplified from `TAM Dulce' and six amplified from TGR1551, were significantly associated with QTL for at least one individual sugar percentage. Of the 10 markers identified, six were consistently associated with two to three traits. The OAU13.1350 obtained from `TAM Dulce' accounted for 13% and 19% of the phenotypic variation for sucrose and glucose percentages, while OAW06.600 obtained from TGR1551 explained 17% and 18% of the variation for the two traits. The OAA09.350 and OAU05.600 markers accounted for 4% to 13% of the variation for three sugar percentages. These markers associated with QTL for three individual sugar compositions could be useful in melon breeding for improving the mature fruit quality.

Sucrose, fructose, total sugars and soluble solids are major factors in determining mature melon fruit sweetness. Bulked segregant analysis was utilized to detect RAPD markers associated with QTL for sucrose, total sugars and soluble solids in an F2 population from the ananas melon cross of Deltex (high sugars) × TGR1551 (low sugars). Sucrose, glucose, fructose and total sugar data were obtained from 108 F2 plants by means of HPLC. Clear separations for sucrose, total sugars and soluble solids between Deltex and TGR1551 were observed, whereas slight differences for glucose and fructose were found. Continuous distributions for sucrose, total sugars and soluble solids were observed in the F2 population indicating quantitative inheritance for the sweetness traits. A significant negative correlation was observed between sucrose and glucose (r = -25) or fructose (r = -0.31). A significant positive correlation was noted between sucrose and total sugars (r = 0.80) or soluble solids (r = 0.64). Three low and high DNA bulk pairs for sucrose, total sugars and soluble solids were developed. A total of 360 primers were used to simultaneously screen between the low and high bulks, and between Deltex and TGR1551. Sixty-eight RAPD markers were polymorphic for the low and high bulks. Of the 68 markers, 24 were found to be significantly associated with sucrose, total sugars or soluble solids on the basis of single-factor ANOVA. Marker OM15.550 was consistently associated with QTL affecting sucrose, glucose, fructose, total sugars and soluble solids, and accounted for 7% to 25% of the phenotypic variation for the traits. These markers associated with the sugar synthesis QTL could be useful to transfer these genes into a low sugar cultivar to enhance the fruit sweetness.

The objective was to detect molecular markers associated with QTL for partial physiological resistance (PPR) to two white mold (WM) isolates, partial field resistance (PFR), plant architecture (PA), and plant height (PH) in a genetic linkage map constructed using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross `PC-50' (resistant to WM) × XAN-159 (susceptible to WM). Significant correlations (+0.39 and +0.47) were noted between the WM reactions in the greenhouse and field. A significant but negative correlation (–0.33) was observed between the WM reaction and PH in the field. Six QTL affecting PPR to isolate 152 were found on LGs 4, 5, 7, and 8. Six QTL affecting PPR to isolate 279 were found on LGs 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8. Five QTL for PFR were observed on LGs 2, 5, 7, 8, and 11. Two QTL affecting PA were detected on LGs 7 and 8. Two QTL affecting PH were identified on LGs 7 and 8. On one end of LG 8 marker H19.1250 was significant for PPR to both isolates. On the other end of LG 8 the region closely linked to the C locus was significantly associated with PPR to both isolates, PFR, PA and PH. Marker J09.950 on LG 7 was significantly associated with PPR to both isolates, PFR, PH and seed weight. Marker J01.2000 on LG 2 was the most significant locus for both PPR to the isolate 279 and PFR. QTL on LG 5 were found for PPR to the isolate 152 and PFR. Overall, four of the five QTL affecting PFR were also found for PPR to one or both isolates.

Common bacterial blight, incited by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Xcp), is a serious disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). RAPD markers and flower color (V gene) previously had been reported to be associated with six QTL affecting leaf and pod resistance to Xcp. However, the markers for the QTL were not confirmed in different populations and environments to indicate their merit in breeding. Our objective was to determine if the associations of RAPD markers and the V gene with QTL for leaf and pod resistance to Xcp in a RI backcross population from the cross BC2F6 `PC-50' × XAN-159 and for leaf resistance to Xcp in a F2 population from a different cross Pinto `Chase' × XAN-159 could be confirmed. Among six QTL previously detected, five in the RI backcross population and three in the F2 population were confirmed to be associated with resistance to Xcp. The V gene and RAPD marker BC437.1050 on linkage group 5 were most consistently associated with leaf and pod resistance to two to five XCP strains in the RI backcross population and with leaf resistance to two Xcp strains in the F2 population. The confirmed marker BC437.1050 and V gene on linkage group 5, along with other resistance genes from other germplasm, could be used to pyramid the different genes into a bean cultivar to enhance the resistance to Xcp.

Seed size is an important trait in common bean. The objective was to identify RAPD markers associated with QTL for seed weight, seed length, and seed height in a molecular marker-based linkage map in a recombinant inbred (RI) population from the common bean cross of the larger seeded (100 seed/39 to 47 g) PC-50 (ovate seed shape) × smaller seeded (100 seed/26 to 35 g) XAN-159 (flat rhomboidal seed shape). The parents and RI lines were grown in two separate greenhouse and two field (Wisconsin, Dominican Republic) experiments using a RCBD. Continuous distributions for seed weight, seed length, and seed height were observed for RI lines indicating quantitative inheritance. One to three QTLs affecting seed weight explained 17% to 41% of the phenotypic variation. Two to three QTLs for seed length explained 23% to 45% of the phenotypic variation. One to four QTL associated with seed height explained 17% to 39% of the phenotypic variation. A RAPD marker M5.850 in linkage group 3 was consistently associated with seed weight, seed length, and seed height in all experiments and explained 7% to 13% of the phenotypic variation for these traits. A seedcoat pattern morphological marker (C) in linkage group 1 was associated with seed weight and seed height in two greenhouse experiments.