Genetic mapping in almond using 'Gülcan-2 x Lauranne' and 'Guara x Nurlu' F1 populations by SSR markers

There are several SSR (simple sequence reepat) based genetic linkage maps in almond in the literature. However, they have inadequate number of markers. The objective of this study was to construct well saturated, SSR-based genetic linkage maps using 'Gülcan-2 x Lauranne' and 'Guara x Nurlu' F1 populations in almond. A total of 275 SSR primer pairs selected from the previous studies from various Prunus species were tested in both populations. A total of 175 SSR loci segregated in 'Gülcan-2 x Lauranne' population and 162 SSR loci were mapped into eight linkage groups. The total map length was 514.6 cM, with an average marker density of 3.2 cM. The LG lengths varied from 40.1 cM (LG6) to 84.6 cM (LG1). The number of markers in eight LGs changed between 12 (LG6) and 29 (LG2). In 'Guara x Nurlu' population, 159 markers segregated and 153 SSR loci were mapped. The total map length was 493.9 cM with an average marker distance of 3.2 cM. The LG lengths varied from 49.8 cM (LG5) to 85.1 cM (LG1), and the average length was 64.1 cM. The number of markers changed between 15 (LG4) and 25 (LG2). In conclusion, individual parental maps and consensus SSR-based genetic linkage maps in almond were constructed in two F1 populations in this study. The maps can be used in QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) analysis of economically important phenotypic characters in almond, and this may provide linked DNA markers for marker assisted selection (MAS) in cultivar breeding programs in the future.