DNA POOLING STRATEGY FOR SATURATION MAPPING IN OUTBRED CROSSES

We present a method to identify molecular markers linked to a genomic interval in outbred pedigrees. Using information from fully informativ e RFLP markers on a single linkage group containing a quantitative tra it locus for wood specific gravity, we constructed four DNA pools from nonrecombinant progeny of a three-generation outbred pedigree. The fo ur pools were screened to identify linked RAPD markers. The phase and zygosity of a linked RAPD marker could be determined directly from the array of RAPD bands present or absent in the four pools. TWO hundred fifty-six primers were tested on the four DNA pools, revealing 61 puta tively linked loci. Nine RAPD loci were linked to the genomic interval . The approach developed here could be generally applied to saturation mapping in outbred pedigrees where fully informative markers have pre viously been mapped.