Analysis of RAPD and AFLP markers linked to resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae race 2 in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Root rot of lettuce, which is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae (FOL), is a critical problem in the production of lettuce. FOL-resistant lettuce genetic resources have been identified and used in breeding programs to produce FOL-resistant cultivars. However, the genetic characteristics of resistance genes have not been studied in depth and, therefore, no DNA markers are presently available for these genes. In this study, we analyzed the RRD2 (resistance for root rot disease race 2) locus, which confers resistance to FOL race 2. Resistance loci were analyzed using two cultivars of crisphead lettuce: VP1013 (resistant) and Patriot (susceptible). The segregation patterns of resistant phenotypes in F2 indicated a single major locus. To define the positions of resistance loci, a linkage map was constructed using amplified fragment length polymorphism and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Quantitative trait loci analysis revealed the position of the major resistance locus. A high LOD score was observed for RAPD-marker WF25-42, and this marker showed good correspondence to the phenotype in different cultivars and lines. We successfully developed a sequence characterized amplified region marker from WF25-42.