An integrated interspecific AFLP map of lettuce (Lactuca) based on two L-sativa x L-saligna F2 populations

AFLP markers were obtained with 12 EcoRI/MseI primer combinations on two independent F-2 populations of Lactuca sativa x Lactuca saligna. The polymorphism rates of the AFLP products between the two different L. saligna lines was 39%, between the two different L sativa cultivars 13% and between the L. sativa and L. saligna parents on average 81%. In both F-2 populations segregation distortion was found, but only Chromosome 5 showed skewness that was similar for both populations. Two independent genetic maps of the two F-2 populations were constructed that could be integrated due to the high similarity in marker order and map distances of 124 markers common to both populations. The integrated map consisted of 476 AFLP markers and 12 SSRs on nine linkage groups spanning 854 cM. The AFLP markers on the integrated map were randomly distributed with an average spacing between markers of 1.8 cM and a maximal distance of 16 cM. Furthermore, the AFLP markers did not show severe clustering. This AFLP map provides good opportunities for use in QTL mapping and marker-assisted selection.