Comparison of RAPD and RFLP markers for mapping F-2 generations in maize (Zea mays L)

The F-2 generations from two maize crosses were used to compare the ability of RAPD and RFLP marker systems to create a genetic linkage map, Both RFLPs and RAPDs were shown to provide Mendelian-type markers. Most of the RFLPs (80%) could be placed with a good level of certainty (LOD > 4) on the genetic linkage map, However, because of their dominant nature, only between 37% and 59% of the RAPDs could be placed with such a LOD score, The use of combined data from RFLPs and RAPDs increases the level of information provided by RAPDs and allows the creation of a combined RFLP/RAPD genetic linkage map, Thus, the RAPD technique was found to be a powerful method to provide improved probes coverage on a previously created RFLP map and to locate markers linked to chromosomal regions of interest.