An interspecific (Capsicum annuum x C-chinese) F-2 linkage map in pepper using RFLP and AFLP markers

We have constructed a molecular linkage map of pepper (Capsicum spp.) in an interspecific F-2 population of 107 plants with 150 RFLP and 430 AFLP mark ers. The resulting linkage map consists of 11 large (206-60.3 cM) and 5 sma ll (32.6-10.3 cM) linkage groups covering 1,320 cM with an average map dist ance between framework markers of 7.5 cM. Most (80%) of the RFLP markers we re pepper-derived clones, and these markers were evenly distributed across the genome. By using 30 primer combinations, we were able to generate 444 A FLP markers in the Fz population. The majority of the AFLP markers clustere d in each linkage group, although PstI/MseI markers were more evenly distri buted than EcoRI/MseI markers within the linkage groups. Genes for the bios ynthesis of carotenoids and capsaicinoids were mapped on our linkage, map. This map will provide the basis of studying secondary metabolites in pepper .