A MOLECULAR MARKER-BASED LINKAGE MAP OF DIPLOID BANANAS (MUSA-ACUMINATA)

A partial molecular linkage map of the Musa acuminata diploid genome i s presented. This map is based on 58 RFLP, four isozyme and 28 RAPD ma rkers segregating in an F2 population of 92 individuals. A total of 90 loci was detected, 77 of which were placed on 15 linkage groups while 13 segregated independently. Segregation distortions were shown by 36 % of all loci, mostly favoring the male parent. Chromosome structural rearrangements were believed to be one of the main causes of these dis tortions. The use of genetic linkage data to further the genetic and e volutionary knowledge of the genus Musa, as well as to help improve th e design of breeding strategies, is discussed.