Morphological comparison and molecular marker screening of three Skeletonema species found in Changjiang(Yangtze)River Basin

In our recent investigations of diatom diversity,we studied three species,namely,Skeletonema costatum,Skeletonema subsalsum,and Skeletonema potamos.Although they have been found frequently in Changjiang(Yangtze)River Basin,their morphological and molecular identification is difficult in taxonomy.Therefore,to integrate morphological and molecular biological approaches,we compared systematically their morphological characters and performed phylogenetic analysis.Twelve strains of Skeletonema were collected and isolated from Shanghai and Jiangsu,China,and their morphological characteristics were examined by light microscopy(LM)and the scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Based on morphological comparison,we determined that S.potamos is easy to distinguish from the other two species.The heavily silicified areolae,undulated or cleft distal ends of terminal fultoportula processes(TFPPs),absence of basal pores of fultoportula processes(FPPs),the rootlike protrusions of FPPs,and no interlocking connection are the stable characteristics that can be used to identify S.potamos.However,there are only two features that can distinguish S.costatum from S.subsalsum,namely the location of terminal rimoportulae(TRPs)and the distal shape of TFPPs.In addition,we amplified and sequenced nine common genetic markers from the strains,from which 101 sequences were obtained,constructed phylogenetic trees based on the nine genes and evaluated that seven genes can be used to identify S.potamos,and revealed that S.subsalsum is the closest known relative of S.costatum,and only ATP synthetase beta-subunit gene(atp B)is able to distinguish them from each other,which strongly support that it is an effective molecular marker for Skeletonema.This work provided a theoretical basis for the taxonomic study of Skeletonema.

Assessment of molecular markers and marker-assisted selection for drought tolerance in barley(Hordeum vulgare L.)

This review updates the present status of the field of molecular markers and marker-assisted selection(MAS),using the example of drought tolerance in barley.The accuracy of selected quantitative trait loci(QTLs),candidate genes and suggested markers was assessed in the barley genome cv.Morex.Six common strategies are described for molecular marker development,candidate gene identification and verification,and their possible applications in MAS to improve the grain yield and yield components in barley under drought stress.These strategies are based on the following five principles:(1)Molecular markers are designated as genomic‘tags’,and their‘prediction’is strongly dependent on their distance from a candidate gene on genetic or physical maps;(2)plants react differently under favourable and stressful conditions or depending on their stage of development;(3)each candidate gene must be verified by confirming its expression in the relevant conditions,e.g.,drought;(4)the molecular marker identified must be validated for MAS for tolerance to drought stress and improved grain yield;and(5)the small number of molecular markers realized for MAS in breeding,from among the many studies targeting candidate genes,can be explained by the complex nature of drought stress,and multiple stress-responsive genes in each barley genotype that are expressed differentially depending on many other factors.

Fast tracking alien gene discovery by molecular markers in a late flowering Chinese cabbage-cabbage translocation line‘AT7–4'

Flowering time is an important agronomic trait of Chinese cabbage with late flowering being a primary breeding objective.In our previous work,we obtained Chinese cabbage-cabbage translocation lines that contained several beneficial cabbage genes.Cabbage-specific molecular markers show that these genes were coming from chromosome C01 of cabbage.In this study,we investigated the inheritance of flowering time in a couple of translocation lines and analyzed the transmission rate of molecular markers in the offspring.Consequently,we obtained the late flowering Chinese cabbage-cabbage translocation line‘AT7–4’in which the flowering time was later than that of‘85–1’by about 7 days under 4-week vernalization.Based on previous studies of the genomes of Chinese cabbage and cabbage,we located the cabbage-specific molecular markers that were closely linked at the top of the chromosome A01 in the F2mapping population generated by self-crossing F1s derived from a cross between the translocation line‘AT7–4’and Chinese cabbage‘14–36’.Five flowering-related genes in the alien fragment were found by functional annotation and their molecular markers were developed.This study lays the foundation for the future improvement of Chinese cabbage varieties using A-C translocation lines.

Development of Molecular Marker Linked with Cercospora Leaf Spot (CLS) Disease Resistance in Vigna radiata, Cloning, and Expression for Evaluating Antifungal Activity against Cercospora canescens

We developed a molecular marker for MAS of mungbean resistant varieties against CLS from the consensus sequence(MB-CLsRG)of identified RGAs(MB-ClsRCaG1 and MB-ClsRCaG2).The MB-CLsRG sequence-specific primer pair was used to screen Cercospora leaf spot(CLS)resistant varieties of mungbean in genomic analysis that showed congruency with phenotypic screening.Validation of molecular marker linkage with CLS resistance was performed using rtPCR in transcriptomic analysis.The sequenced PCR products showed 100%homology with MB-CLsRG sequence and putative disease resistance proteins that confirmed the linkage of molecular marker with CLS resistance in mungbean.The antifungal potential of MB-CLsRG gene encoding protein was assessed.The MB-CLsRG gene sequence was cloned in the E.coli expression vector for recombinant protein production.The recombinant protein was then investigated for its in vitro antifungal potential against Cercospora canescens.The in vitro investigation showed strong antifungal activity of recombinant protein as it restricted the growth of fungal mycelial mass.The results validated the linkage of developed marker with CLS-resistant mungbean varieties;therefore,it can be used to screen resistant varieties from a large population in MAS.Moreover,the recombinant protein of the MB-CLsRG gene sequence revealed antifungal potential,which proved the gene sequence could be suitable to use in transgenic plants technology to develop fungal-resistant transgenic crops.

Large scale genetic landscape and population structure of Ethiopian sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm revealed through molecular marker analysis

Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.) plays a crucial role in Ethiopian agriculture,serving both subsistence and commercial purposes.However,our understanding of the extensive genetic diversity and population structure of Ethiopian sesame remains limited.To address this knowledge gap,we genotyped 368 Ethiopian sesame germplasms,categorizing into four distinct breeding groups:Accessions,landraces,improved varieties,and wild types,using a comprehensive set of 28 polymorphic markers,including 23 simple sequence repeat(SSR) and five Insertion-Deletion(InDel) markers.These markers ensured robust genomic representation,with at least two markers per linkage group.Our results unveiled substantial genetic diversity,identifying a total of 535 alleles across all accessions.On average,each locus displayed 8.83 alleles,with observed and expected heterozygosity values of 0.30 and 0.36,respectively.Gene Diversity and Polymorphic Information Content(PIC) were recorded at 0.37 and 0.35.The percentage of polymorphic loci varied significantly among breeding groups,ranging from8.00% to 82.40%,indicating high diversity in accessions(82.4%),moderate diversity in improved varieties(31.20%) and landraces(29.60%),and limited diversity in wild types(8.00).Analysis of Molecular Variance(AMOVA) results emphasized significant genetic differentiation among populations,with substantial diversity(P<0.001) within each population.Approximately 8% of the entire genetic diversity could be attributed to distinctions among populations,while the larger proportion of genetic diversity(92%) resided within each individual sesame population,showcasing heightened diversity within each group.Our study’s findings received support from both Bayesian clustering and Neighbor-joining(NJ) analysis,reaffirming the credibility of our genetic structure insights.Notably,Population structure analysis at its highest Δk value(k=2) revealed the existence of two primary genetic clusters,further subdivided into four sub-populations at k=4.Similarly,NJ analysis identified two prominent clusters,each displaying additional sub-clustering.In conclusion,our research provides a comprehensive understanding of genetic groups,subpopulations,and overall diversity within Ethiopian sesame populations.These findings underscore the significant genetic diversity and population structure within Ethiopian sesame germplasm collections.This genetic richness holds promise for breeding and conservation efforts,highlighting the importance of preserving genetic diversity to ensure adaptation to changing environments and meet the needs of farmers and consumers.

SDC1 acts as a novel molecular marker and prevents rheumatoid arthritis and modulates inflammatory response by targeting the miR-4531/SDC1 axis

Objective:Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic erosive arthritis.Due to the lack of effective biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment,RA patients have many complications in the later stage,seriously affecting their quality of life.Thus,this study was conducted to investigate new therapeutic targets and to discover diagnostic biomarkers in RA.Methods:In this study,the expression profiles of GSE55235 and GSE55457 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to obtain DEGs between RA and healthy samples.Genetic Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the common genes existing in the RA-related modules.Additionally,we used the STRING database to construct the protein‒protein interaction network.Furthermore,we established the interaction analysis of Hub Genes and microRNA(miRNA)and verified the 10 Hub genes through the GSE77298 dataset and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction Results:276 and 69 DEGs were screened from the GSE55235 dataset and GSE55457 dataset,respectively.Then,we obtained 42 up-regulated genes in two chip datasets intersection.Genetic Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of the 42 up-regulated genes showed that they were mainly concentrated in immune response-activating cell surface receptor signaling pathway,etc.Furthermore,the protein-protein interaction network indicated that 10 hub genes are closely related to RA,including MS4A1,CD27,LCK,CD79A,SDC1,CXCL9,CXCL10,CXCL13,IGLL5,and IGJ.In addition,we found that miR-4531 is the same target miRNAs between MS4A1 and SDC1 through messenger RNA-miRNA co-expression network.Finally,the GSE77298 gene chip and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction verified the expression of 10 Hub genes.The six Hub genes of CD27,SDC1,CXCL9,CXCL10,CXCL13,and IGJ are significantly increased.Conclusions:We found that SDC1 may be a novel molecular marker for the prevention and treatment of RA.The miR-4531/SDC1 regulatory axis may play a key role in this process.In conclusion,our study not only provides potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of RA,but also provides a basis and new targets for further revealing the potential mechanism of RA occurrence and development and discovering targeted drugs.

Molecular Marker Techniques Using Single Primers and Their Advances

Molecular marker techniques have been widely applied in the fields of genetic diversity analysis,germplasm resources identification,molecular fingerprint and genetic linkage map construction,QTL mapping and molecular assisted breeding.On the basis of stating the concept of molecular marker techniques based on single primer amplification reactions,this study focused on the sorting and induction of single-primer molecular marker techniques,and expounded their derivative development.Finally,the application prospect and future expectation of single-primer molecular marker techniques were described in detail.The purpose of this study was to clarify the types of molecular marker techniques based on single primer amplification reactions,so that researchers can quickly and conveniently select molecular marker techniques according to their own specific scientific research conditions.

Specific molecular markers in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-factorial, multistep and complex process. Its prognosis is poor, and early diagnosis and monitoring metastasis of HCC is of the utmost importance. Circulating diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers could be used in proper postoperative treatment of patients at an early stage of HCC development. This review summarizes recent studies of the specific biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. DATA SOURCES: An English-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (June 1998 to Spetember 2006) on researches of some valuable specific biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. RESULTS: Hepatoma tissues can synthesize various tumor-related proteins, polypeptides, and isoenzymes, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hepatoma-specific gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (HS-GGT), etc, and then secrete into blood. The valuable early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers could predict the development an metastases of HCC. Recent researches have confirmed that circulating hepatoma-specific AFP subfraction, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, HS-GGT, and free insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II may be more specific markers than total AFP level for early diagnosis for HCC. The circulating genetic markers such as AFP-mRNA, TGF-beta 1-mRNA, IGF-II-mRNA, etc from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HCC patients have been most extensively used in monitoring distal metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatoma tissues synthesize and secrete valuable molecular markers into blood. The analyses of circulating hepatoma-specific biomarkers are useful to early diagnosis of HCC or monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC.

Assessment on Evaluating Parameters of Rice Core Collections Constructed by Genotypic Values and Molecular Marker Information

Eleven evaluating parameters for rice core collection were assessed based on genotypic values and molecular marke＇ information. Monte Carlo simulation combined with mixed linear model was used to eliminate the interference from environment in order to draw more reliable results. The coincidence rate of range （CR） was the optimal parameter. Mean Simpson index （MD）, mean Shannon-Weaver index of genetic diversity （M1） and mean polymorphism information content （MPIC） were important evaluating parameters. The variable rate of coefficient of variation （VR） could act as an important reference parameter for evaluating the variation degree of core collection. Percentage of polymorphic loci （p） could be used as a determination parameter for the size of core collection. Mean difference percentage （MD） was a determination parameter for the reliability judgment of core collection. The effective evaluating parameters for core collection selected in the research could be used as criteria for sampling percentage in different plant germplasm populations.

Identification and Purity Test of Super Hybrid Rice with SSR Molecular Markers

Five super hybrid rice combinations, i.e. HYS-1/R105, Pei'ai 64S/E32, Liangyoupeijiu (Pei'ai 64S/9311), 88S/0293, and J23A/Q611, and their parental lines were tested by means of SSR analysis. A total of 144 SSR primer pairs distributed on 12 rice chromosomes were used, out of which 47 detected polymorphism among the tested rice lines. Among all these primers, RM337 and RM154 produced polymorphic patterns in four or more of the tested experimental materials respectively, and they could distinguish among most rice genotypes tested. Twenty-four primer pairs, two on each rice chromosome, were selected to make a reference SSR marker-based fingerprinting for the rice lines. For most of the primer pairs, F1 hybrids mainly showed complementary pattern of both parents, which could be very useful to distinguish the F1 from its parental lines. In addition, 5 primer pairs were selected as special primer pairs for five hybrid rice combinations respectively. By combining the rapid, simple method on DNA extraction, it is suggested that SSR technique has wide prospective in variety authentication and purity identification.

Molecular Marker Assisted Selection for Yield-Enhancing Genes in the Progeny of Minghui63 x O. rufipogon

Two yield-enhancing genes (yld1.1 and yld2.1) are located on chromosomes 1 and 2 respectivelyin a weedy relative of cultivated rice, Oryza rufipogon. SSR markers RM9 and RM166 are closelylinked with the two loci respectively. Minghui63 (MH63) has been a widely used restorationline in hybrid rice production in China during the past two decades. The F1 of cross 'MH63O.rufipogon' was backcrossed with MH63 generation by generation. RM9 and RM166 were used toselect the plants from the progeny of the backcross populations. The results were as follows:(1) In BC2F1 population, the percentage of the individuals which have RM9 and RM166 amplifiedbands simultaneously was 12.2%, while in the BC3F1 population, that was 16.3%. (2) Among 400individuals of BC3F1, four yield-promising plants were obtained, with yield being 30% more thanthat of MH63. (3) The products amplified by primer RM166 in O. rufipogon and MH63 weresequenced. It was found that the DNA fragment sequence amplified by RM166 from MH63 was 101 bpshorter than that from O. rufipogon. The 101bp sequence is a part of an intron of the PCNA(proliferating cell nuclear antigen) gene.

Identification of Molecular Markers for a Aphid Resistance Gene in Sorghum and Selective Efficiency Using These Markers

In this study, an F2 segregated population obtained by hybridization between the aphid-sensitive sorghum strain Qiansan and aphid-resistant cultivar Henong 16 was used to establish an aphid-resistant pool and an aphid-sensitive pool. 192 pairs of AFLP （amplified fragment length polymorphism） marker primers were screened in these pools using BSA （bulked segregant analysis）. Three pairs of EcoR I-CTG/Mse I-CCT, EcoR I-CTG/Mse I-CAT, and EcoR I-AGT/Mse I-CCC showed linkage with aphis resistance. EcoR I-CTG/Mse I-CCT-475, EcoR I-CTG/Mse I-CAT-390, and EcoR I-AGT/Mse I-CCC- 350 （E42/M52-350） were mapped within 6, 10, and 13 cM distances with the aphid-resistant gene by using Mapmaker 3.0 software. The bands amplified by EcoR I-CTG/Mse I-CCT-475 and EcoR I-CTG/Mse I-CAT-390 were extracted, cloned, and sequenced. Specific primers of SCAR （sequence characterized amplified regions） were then designed from these bands. A specific band of 300 bp was amplified by a pair of SCAR primers designed based on the sequence obtained from the EcoR I-CTG/Mse I-CAT-390 marker. The SCAR marker was named SCAS0. The marker was used to detect the F2, BC1, and F2：3 populations. The selective efficiency was 86.8, 91.1, and 86.3% in the BC1, F2, and F2：3 populations, respectively. The average selective efficiency was 88.2%.

Application of Molecular Marker Assisted Selection in Gene Pyramiding and Selection of New Cultivars

The feasibility of molecule markers＇ application in gene pyramiding has been proved,and obvious progresses in crop breeding have been made till now.Furthermore,different QTLs or molecular markers linked tightly to yield,quality or resistance may be used for marker assisted selection.MAS will be applied widely in crop breeding due to the development of more gene-based markers and efficient quantitative trait locus（QTL） as well as lower cost marking systems.

Morphological and ISSR molecular markers reveal genetic diversity of wild hawthorns (Crataegus songorica K. Koch.) in Xinjiang, China

The wild hawthorn species, Crataegus songorica K. Koch., is an important wild germplasm resource in Xinjiang, China that has been endangered in recent years. The genetic diversity of C. songorica K. Koch. germplasm in five populations from Daxigou, Xinjiang, China were evaluated based on phenotypic traits and ISSR molecular markers to provide basic infor- mation on resource protection, rational utilization and genetic improvement. The F-value for the phenotypic differentiation coefficient of the 33 traits measured ranged from 0.266 to 15.128, and mean value was 13.85%. The variation among populations was found to be lower than that within population. A total of 303 loci were detected within the five populations by 12 primers. Within 298,polymorphic loci, the polymorphism was 98.35%, showing a high genetic diversity in C. songorica K. Koch. The gene diversity within population, total population genetic diversity, genetic differentiation coefficient and gene flow were 0.2779, 0.3235, 0.1408, and 3.0511, respectively. Our results showed that C. songorica K. Koch. from Xinjiang has a high level of genetic diversity at both the phenotypic and molecular levels. Significant genetic differentiation existed within population and the differentiation trend showed a regional association. And in this study, in situ and ex situ conser- vation approaches were raised for wild hawthorn protection utilization.

Assessment of introduced Kappaphycus (Solieriaceae, Rhodophyta) species relationships in China with molecular markers

Due to morphological plasticity and paucity of diagnostic morphological characters, the taxonomy of Kap- paphycus gets more and more confused with the expanding of commercial cultivation. In this study, the phylogenetic relationship of 13 strains of introduced Kappaphycus species in China was defined using DNA molecular markers, such as 18S rDNA, rbcL and cox2-cox3 spacer region. The resolutions obtained by three different molecular markers were compared： both cox2--cox3 spacer region and rbcL sequences are eligible in inter- species identification of Kappaphycus, whereas cox2-cox3 spacer region is more variable than rbcL sequence. There is several basepairs＇ discrepancy among 18S rDNA sequences, while it is 100% identical among both cox2-cox3 spacer region and rbcL sequences of the ten strains of K. alvarezii. We suppose that 18S rDNA sequence can provide more information in biogeography study of Kappaphycus than other two DNA sequences.

Application of Molecular Markers Linking to Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Loci to Assist Maintainer Line Selection and Their Selection Efficiency in Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum L.)

Cytoplasmic male sterility exists widely in most natural populations of welsh onion （Alliumfistulosum L.）, which makes it possible to breed out many male sterile lines for heterosis utilization. Unfortunately, the breeding of cytoplasmic male sterility in welsh onion has a little progress due to the limitation of its biological characteristic and traditional selection approach. To study the feasibility and the efficiency of utilizing marker assisted selection for male sterile lines in welsh onion, one SCAR marker, SCS13, and one RAPD marker, S2002400, which could distinguish between N and S cytoplasm in several welsh onion cultivars, were identified. The two markers were then confirmed by Southern blotting, and used to screen the N or S cytoplasm of individual plants in seven welsh onion cultivars in this study. Male sterile and fertile plants were evaluated by aceto-carmine dying. The frequency of N-cytoplasmic plants and maintainer genotype was calculated in the seven open populations of welsh onion. The minimum number of plants needed to identify a maintainer was evaluated to be 95% reliable. Results showed that 20 to 80% decrease of crosses and self-crosses for identifying a maintainer genotype could be achieved by the marker-assisted selection compared with traditional selection method. It was proved that the molecular markers could precisely identify cytoplasmic types individually, performed by one generation of cross and two generations of testcrosses and self-crosses. Finally, several maintainer genotype plants were selected with the help of the two markers in the seven cultivars. The screened markers could assist and accelerate sterile and maintainer lines selection with less labor and cost.

Identification of Heat Tolerance Linked Molecular Markers of Chinese Cabbage(Brassica campestris L.ssp.pekinensis)

Genetically stable population of recombination inbred line (RIL) was derived from a cross between a heat tolerant line 177 and a heat sensitive line 276 of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis) by single seed descent. The RILs were analyzed using isozyme, RAPD and AFLP techniques in order to find molecular markers that are linked to heat tolerance quantitative trait loci (QTL). The results of variance analysis of single factor indicated that there were 9 molecular markers closely linked with heat tolerance QTL, including 5 AFLP markers, 3 RAPD markers and 1 PGM isozyme marker. Total genetic contribution of these makers to heat tolerance was 46.7%. Five of the nine markers distributed in one linkage group, the remaining 4 markers were located in separate groups. Thus the 9 heat tolerance linked markers distributed in 5 independent locations in the genome of Chinese cabbage.

Identification of Molecular Marker Linked to Salt Tolerance Gene in Alfalfa

The study has established the F2 offspring obtained by crossing salt-tolerant with salt-sensitive alfalfa, and appraised the salt-tolerant F2 offspring seedling was evaluated in pot culture. With the F2 segregated population, the research has obtained a molecular marker linked with salt-tolerant genes of alfalfa using the improved BSA combined with RAPD. The RAPD PCR products were excised from the agarose gel and purified using a kit, then were mixed with pMD-18T vector and sequenced. Sequencing result indicated the RAPD marker was 1 438 bp in length. Similarity researches using blast in Genbank indicated that the nucleotide sequence of the RAPD marker showed 93% and 91% similarity with mth2-6el8 gene fragment （347 bp） and ruth2-33122 gene fragment （334 bp） of Medicago truncatula respectively. Medicago truncatula is a close relative of alfalfa and Mth2-6el8 is a molecular marker of the gene coding for a cysteine protease which was saltinducible in some plants. These results indicated the RAPD marker was possibly related to cysteine protease genes in alfalfa.

QTL Analysis for Plant Height with Molecular Markers in Maize

Plant height has become one of important agronomic traits with the increase of planting density recently and the rapid developments of molecular markers have provided powerful tools to localize important agronomic QTL at the genomic level. The purposes of this investigation are to map plant height QTL with molecular markers and to analyze their genetic effects in maize. An F 2∶3 population from an elite combination (Zong3×87-1) was utilized for evaluating plant height in two locations, Wuhan and Xiangfan, with a randomized complete block design. The mapping population included 266 F 2∶3 family lines. A genetic linkage map, containing 150 SSR and 24 RFLP markers, was constructed, spanning a total of 2 531.6 cm with an average interval of 14.5 cm. Totally 10 QTL affecting plant height were mapped on six different chromosomes with the composite interval mapping. Seven of 10 QTL were detected in two locations. The contributions to phenotypic variations for the single QTL varied between 5.3 and 17.1%. Additive, partial dominance, dominance, and overdominance actions existed among all detected QTL affecting plant heights. A large number of digenic interactions for plant height were detected by two-way analyses of variance. 107 and 98 two-locus combinations were found to be significant at a 0.01 probability level in two locations respectively. 23 of them were simultaneously detected in both locations. They accounted for phenotypic variations of 4.511%. It was noticed that a locus, umc1122, had digenic interactive effects with other four different loci for plant height, which distributed on three chromosomes. A few of plant height QTL was involved in significant digenic interactions, but most significant interactions occurred between markers that are not adjacent to mapped QTL. These results demonstrated that epistatic interactions might play an equal importance role as the single-locus effects in determining plant height of maize.

Relationship Between F_1,F_2 Hybrid Yield, Heterosis and Genetic Distance Measured by Molecular Markers and Parent Performance in Cotton

Genetic distance among 36 cotton cultivars measured by molecular markers of RAPDs, ISSRs, and SSRs was from 0.0701 to 0.4255 with the mean of 0.2844, and from 2.18 to 12.60 with the mean of 7.04 based on the genotype performance in two-year field experiments, which has a significant positive correlation (r = 0.3350). The correlative coefficients for boll number per plant, boll weight, yield per plant, lint percent and lint yield per plant were 0.8035,0.8877,0.7135,0.9640 and 0.8956 between F1 and F2 hybrid performance assessed by three-environment field experiments, respectively. The mean of F1 and F2 hybrid het-erosis of yield per plant and lint yield per plant were 13.62% , 16.31% , 7.90% and 9.02% , and the correlative coefficients between them were 0.3689 and 0.3787, respectively. The correlation between the genetic distance and heterosis was low, and influenced directly by the selected parents.