RFLP mapping of the three major genes, Vrn1, Q and B1, on the long arm of chromosome 5A of wheat

Chromosome 5A of wheat carries several major genes of agronomic importance, including Vrn1 controlling spring/winter wheat difference, Q determining spike morphology and B1 inhibiting awn development. A population of single-chromosome recombinant lines from the cross between two chromosome substitution Lines, echinus Spring' (Cappelle-Desprez 5A) and 'Chinese Spring' (Triticum spelta 5A) was developed to map these genes on the long arm of chromosome 5A relative to RFLP markers. Using 120 recombinant lines, a map of approximately 230 cM in length was constructed. The gene order was centromere-Vrn1-Q-B1. The Vrn1 locus was tightly linked to two RFLP markers, Xbcd450 and Xrz395 with 0.8 cM, and to Xpsr426 with 5.0 cM. The Vrn1-adjacent region was located in the central of the long arm, approximately 90 cM from the centromere. The chromosome region around Q and the 5A/4A translocation break-point were mapped by three RFLP markers, and their order was found to be Q-Xpsr370-Xcdo457-4A/5A break-point-Xpsr164. The B1 locus was located on the most distal portion of the long arm.