A High Density Genetic Map for Miscanthus sinensis That Integrates RAD-Seq and Goldengate SNPs.

Miscanthus is a bioenergy feedstock crop that has only recently become the subject of modern breeding efforts.  It also has more than a 100 year history as an ornamental crop in the U.S., with many cultivars currently sold by the horticulture trade.  Miscanthus is a perennial, self-incompatible, C4 grass that is closely related to sugarcane but adapted to temperate environments, making it a good choice for much of the U.S.  The efficiency of breeding improved Miscanthus biomass cultivars would be greatly increased by using marker-assisted selection, because phenotypic selection for yield traits must typically be done in the second and third years of field trials.  Thus, high-density genetic maps will be critical to Miscanthus improvement.  Recently, a framework genetic map for M. sinensis was developed at the Univ. of Illinois based on 658 SNPs using a GoldenGate genotyping array.  However, sequencing of restriction site associated DNA tags (RAD-seq) is a promising approach for obtaining thousands of SNPs at lower cost than with GoldenGate.  A major goal of the current research was to develop a high-density genetic map of M. sinensis that integrates publicly available RAD-seq and GoldenGate SNPs.  The mapping population consisted of 306 F1 progeny of M. sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ x M. sinensis ‘Kaskade’.  Segregation of the zebra stripe leaf trait in this population was mapped as an example.