A consensus map of barley integrating SSR, RFLP, and AFLP markers

A consensus map of barley combining simple sequence repeat ( SSR), restriction fragment length polymorphism ( RFLP), and amplified fragment length polymorphism ( AFLP) markers has been developed by combining 5 Australian barley linkage maps, Galleon x Haruna Nijo, Chebec x Harrington, Clipper x Sahara, Alexis x Sloop, and Amaji Nijo x WI2585, using the software package JOINMAP 2.0. The new consensus map consists of 700 markers, with 136 being SSRs, and has a total genetic distance of 933 cM. The consensus map order appears to be in good agreement with the Australian barley linkage maps, with the exception of a small inversion located close to the centromere of chromosome 5H. Similarly, the SSR map orders are in good agreement with SSR markers integrated into the doubled haploid linkage map of Lina x Hordeum spontaneum, Canada Park. The new consensus map provides a framework to cross examine and align partial and complete barley linkage maps using markers common to many barley maps. This map will allow researchers to rapidly and accurately select SSR markers for chromosome regions of interest for barley genetic and plant breeding studies.