Co-segregation of DNA markers with Tripsacum fertility

Genetically related triploid populations of Tripsacum dactyloides segregating for sterility were shown to co-segregate with particular RFLP markers. While the percentage of seedset varies within apomictic populations, it is known that sterility, the absence of seed, is associated with sexual reproduction in triploid populations. Given this, it is of interest that five out of 25 RFLP markers showed co-segregation with the phenotype, percent seedset, scored on 86 individuals. This subset of markers was chosen based on its coverage of the current Tripsacum RFLP linkage map. These five markers are known to be linked to the Tripsacum linkage groups A, F, H, I, and L, and are syntenic in maize to chromosomes 1, 7, and 6. It is significant that the five Tripsacum linkage groups discussed here have syntenic regions in maize. Specifically these maize regions harbor genes regulating male sterility, defective kernel development, and gametophyte and fertility associated genes.