RAPD-BASED GENETIC-LINKAGE MAP OF BLUEBERRY DERIVED FROM A CROSS BETWEEN DIPLOID SPECIES (VACCINIUM-DARROWI AND VACCINIUM-ELLIOTTII)

An initial genetic linkage map for blueberry has been constructed from over 70 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers that segregat ed 1:1 in a testcross population of 38 plants. The mapping population was derived from a cross between two diploid blueberry plants: the F, interspecific hybrid (Vaccinium darrowi Camp x V. elliottii Chapm.) an d another V. darrowi plant. The map currently comprises 12 linkage gro ups (in agreement with the basic blueberry chromosome number) and cove rs a total genetic distance of over 950 cM, with a range of 3-30 cM be tween adjacent markers. The use of such a map for identifying molecula r markers linked to genes controlling chilling requirement and cold ha rdiness is discussed.