Simple sequence repeats in Cucumis mapping and map merging

Thirty-four polymorphic simple-sequence repeats (SSRs) were evaluated for l ength polymorphism in melon (Cucumis melo L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). SSR markers were located on three melon maps (18 on the map of 'Vedra ntais' and PI 161375, 23 on the map of 'Piel de Sapo' and PI 161375, and 16 on the map of PI 414723 and 'Dulce'). In addition, 14 of the markers were located on the cucumber map of GY14 and PI 183967. SSRs proved to be random ly distributed throughout the melon and cucumber genomes. Mapping of the SS Rs in the different maps led to the cross-identification of seven linkage g roups in all melon maps. In addition, nine SSRs were common to both melon a nd cucumber maps. The potential of SSR markers as anchor points for melon-m ap merging and for comparative mapping with cucumber was demonstrated.