An extended random primer amplified region (ERPAR) marker linked to a dominant male sterility gene in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Similar to SCAR, an extended random primer amplified region (ERPAR) marker is a PCR amplified genomic DNA fragment at a single genetically defined loc us. However, ERPAR uses specific primer pairs derived from RAPD primers by adding bases sequentially to their 3'-ends. As an example, an ERPAR marker was derived from a RAPD marker (OT11(900)) linked to a dominant male steril ity gene in cabbage ( Brassica oleracea var. capitata). After two cycles of base adding and primer pair screening, a primer pair (5'-TTCCCCGCGACT-3' a nd 5'-TTCCCCGCGAGA-3') amplified a single intense band with the same size a s OT11(900). The identity of the new marker and OT11(900) was verified by s egregation analysis. The new marker amplified by this extended primer pair was named as EPT11(900). The development of ERPAR exploits the importance o f 3'-end bases of primers in PCR ERPAR shares advantages of SCAR, but elimi nates the need for cloning and sequencing. It is a fast and universal way o f converting RAPD markers into stable markers.