Positioning the wp flower color locus on the soybean genome map

The wp allele generates a pink flowered phenotype in soybean [Glycine max ( L.) Merr.]. Genotypes with W1_wp wp are associated with larger seed size an d higher seed protein content. The influence of a single locus on the antho cyanin pathway and seed protein accumulation has not been documented in oth er species. It is of interest to clone wp by initially identifying linked m olecular markers. The objective of this research was to use restriction fra gment length polymorphism (RFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers to position the wp locus on the soybean public genetic map. Of the 74 markers tested, two RFLP and 14 SSR markers were identified as linked t o wp. The two RFLP markers linked to wp in this study were previously repor ted to be associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling seed pr otein in a G. soja Siebold & Zucc. X G. max population. It is proposed that wp is located between RFLP locus K011 and SSR locus Satt600. The molecular markers linked to wp were located on linkage group D1b+W of the public soy bean genetic map. The knowledge of linked molecular markers will assist in cloning wp, potentially leading to further characterization of how wp influ ences the anthocyanin pathway and seed protein accumulation.