Evidence for colinearity among genetic linkage maps in cucumber

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. var. sativus; 2n = 2x = 14), has a narrow genetic base (3% to 8% polymorphism). Nevertheless, several genetic maps exist for this species. It is important to know the degree of colinearity among these maps. Thus, the positions of random amplified polymorphic DNAs, sequenced characterized amplified regions, simple sequence repeat, restriction fragment length polymorphisms, and fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism markers were compared in four maps. A previously unreported map was constructed in a narrow cross (processing line 2A x Gy8; C. s. var. sativus; ≈7% polymorphism) and compared with the three published maps [two narrow-based (processing type; C. s. var. sativus; 8% to 12% polymorphism) and a broad-based (C. s. var. sativus x C. s. var. hardwickii (R.) Alef. ≈12%)]. Common makers were identified in seven linkage groups, providing evidence for microsynteny. These common markers were used as anchor markers for map position comparisons of yield component quantitative trait loci. The relative order of anchor markers in each of six linkage groups (linkage groups 1, 2, and 4-7) that had two or more anchor markers within each group was colinear, and instances of microsynteny were detected. Commonalities in the position of some yield component quantitative trait loci exist in linkage groups 1 and 4 of the maps examined, and the general synteny among these maps indicates that identification and mapping of additional anchor markers would lead to successful map merging to increase cucumber map saturation for use in cucumber breeding.