Association of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms among Maize Inbreds with Agronomic Performance of Their Crosses

Abstract

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) have been suggested as molecular markers to facilitate improvement of agronomic traits in maize (Zea mays L.). The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of RFLP data in elucidating heterotic patterns among maize lines. Eight maize inbred lines and their 28 singlecross hybrids werevaluated for grain yield at two Iowa locations in each of 2 yr in a randomizedcomplete block design. The diallel mating design permitted estimation of general and specific combining ability effects. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of inbred lines included five restriction enzymes and five eDNA and 28 genomic clones distributed over the maize genome. Restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns of crosses were predicted from analysis of the inbred parents. Genetic distances between inbred lines were estimated as modified Rogers' distance (MRD). Grain yield and specific combining ability were significantly correlated with MRD for six of the 10 chromosomes. Dispersion of inbred lines and hybrids for RFLP allele frequencies was generally consistent with expectations based on known pedigrees. Results from this study suggest RFLP analysis as a potential alternative to field testing when attempting to assign maize inbred lines to heterotic groups. Disciplines

Molecular marker genotypes, heterozygosity and genetic interactions explain heterosis in Arabidopsis thaliana

“…For example, the association of genetic distance with heterosis in elite inbred lines of corn may be very strong (Lee et al, 1989;Smith et al, 1990) or weak (Godshalk et al, 1990;Dudley et al, 1991), because the correlation between marker distance and F 1 performance depends on the origin of lines studied (Melchinger et al, 1990;Boppenmaier et al, 1993). Genetic background plays an important role in heterosis.…”

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Vigna radiata (L.) Using Protein Profiling and Molecular Marker (RFLP)

“…The RFLPs are attractive markers because they are generally numerous, co-dominant, phenotypically neutral and insensitive to plant growth environment. The RFLP techniques have been applied to a wide range of theoretical and applied genetic studies such as mapping genes of economic value (Diers et al, 1992), identifying useful germplasm (Zehr et al, 1992), resolving phylogenetic relation-ships among taxa (Song et al, 1990) and diallel analysis of quantitative traits (Lee et al, 1989;Smith et al, 1990). The RFLPs provide an opportunity to more precisely measure genetic differences among individuals compared to morphological or biochemical markers because these are generally abundant in populations of interest, have no apparent effect on plant fitness per se and are not affected by the environment (Soller and Beckmann, 1983).…”

Molecular Markers: Assisted Selection in Soybeans

“…Molecular methods allow the varietal characterization with high discrimination power. Several studies have shown the quality of information on the molecular identification of germplasm (Lee et al,1989;Smith & Smith, 1991). Marker-assisted selection: The possibility of identifying genes of interest, to be strongly linked to molecular markers allows the selection can be made indirectly.…”