A first interspecific Oryza sativaxOryza glaberrima microsatellite-based genetic linkage map

Oryza glaberrima is an endemic African cultivated rice species. To provide a tool for evaluation and utilisation of the potential of O. glaberrima in rice breeding, we developed an interspecific O. glaberrimaxOryza sativa gen etic linkage map. It was based on PCR markers, essentially microsatellites and STSs. Segregation of markers was examined in a backcross (O. sativa/O. glaberrima//O. sativa) population. Several traits were measured on the BC, plants, and major genes and QTLs were mapped for these traits. Several of t hese genes correspond well to previously identified loci. The overall map l ength was comparable to those observed in indicaxjaponica crosses, indicati ng that recombination between the two species occurs without limitation. Ho wever, three chromosomes show discrepancies with the indicaxjaponica maps. The colinearity with intraspecific maps was very good, confirming previous cytological observations. A strong segregation-distortion hot spot was obse rved on chromosome 6 near the waxy gene, indicating the presence of s(10), a sporo-gametophytic sterility gene previously identified by Sane (1990). T he main interests of such a PCR-based map for African rice breeding are dis cussed, including gene and QTL localisation, marker-assisted selection, and the development of interspecific introgression lines.