Nearly complete genetic maps of Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) constructed by AFLP marker analysis in a full-sib family

We have constructed nearly complete linkage maps of Pinus sylvestris (L.) using AFLP markers based on a two-way pseudo-testcross strategy in a full-sib family founded in an advanced breeding program. With 39 primer combinations, a total of 737 markers (320 from the mother and 417 froth the father) segregated in a 1:1 ratio, corresponding to DNA polymorphism: heterozygous in one parent and null in the other. In the maternal parent, 188 framework markers were mapped in 12 linkage groups, equivalent to the Pinus haploid chromosome number, with a total coverage of 1,695.5 cM. In the paternal parent, 245 framework markers established a map with 15 linkage groups, spanning a genome length of 1,718.5 cM. The estimated total map length was (L) over cap (F) = 1, 681 cM for the female and (L) over cap (M) = 1, 645 cM for the male using a modified method-of-moment estimator. Combining these values with those estimated from the observed map lengths in both parents, we estimated the genome length in Scots pine to be between 1,600 and 2,100 cM. Our genome coverage was estimated to be more than 98% with a framework marker interval of 20 cM for both parents. Most of the female and male linkage groups were associated through the analysis of the intercross markers.