Linkage Mapping and QTL Analysis of Agronomic Traits in Tetraploid Potato (Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the world’s most important crops. Using a tetraploid population, we developed a linkage map using amplifi ed fragment length polymorphism and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and searched for quantitative trait loci (QTL) via interval mapping and single-marker analysis of variance. Quantitative trait loci were detected for fl ower color, foliage maturity, tuber skin texture, dry matter content, specifi c gravity, and yield. Most linkage groups were anchored to Solanum chromosomes using SSRs. The most signifi cant QTL detected was for fl ower color. It was located on chromosome II and explained over 40% of the variation for this trait. This QTL most likely corresponds to the R locus for red anthocyanin production. We also confi rmed the presence of QTL for foliage maturity on chromosomes III and V. For skin texture, a trait that has not been previously mapped in potato, we detected multiple QTL. One of these, found on chromosome III, explained 20% of the variation. By measuring specifi c gravity and dry matter independently we were able to detect QTL for these traits that did not co-locate, even though the traits are strongly correlated. Yield QTL were detected on multiple chromosomes, including a novel one on chromosome III. Many QTL could be modeled as simplex or duplex with dominant effects, but a large number displayed additive or interallelic interactive effects. The mapping and modeling of traits in this tetraploid population could be improved by the use of more codominant markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms. P.H. McCord, Washington State Univ., Dep. of Plant Pathology, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, 24106 North Bunn Rd., Prosser, WA 99350; B.R. Sosinski and G.C. Yencho, North Carolina State Univ., Dep. of Horticultural Science, Campus Box 7609, Raleigh, NC 27695; K.G. Haynes, USDA-ARS, Genetic Improvement of Fruits and Vegetables Lab., 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705; M.E. Clough, North Carolina State Univ., Vernon G. James Research and Extension Center, 207 Research Station Rd., Plymouth, NC 27962. Received 23 Feb. 2010. *Corresponding author ([email protected]). Abbreviations: AFLP, amplifi ed fragment length polymorphism; ANOVA, analysis of variance; AUSC, area under the senescence curve; IM, interval mapping; LOD, logarithm of odds; QTL, quantitative trait locus (loci); SE, standard error; SNP, single nucleotide polymorphism; SSR, simple sequence repeat Published in Crop Sci. 51:771–785 (2011). doi: 10.2135/cropsci2010.02.0108 Published online 28 Dec. 2010. © Crop Science Society of America | 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher.