Comparison between genetic and physical maps in Zea mays L. of molecular markers linked to resistance against Diatraea spp.

In the pachytene stage, chromosomes are maximally extended and can easily be distinguished. Therefore, by applying fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to pachytene chromosomes, it is possible to generate a high-resolution physical map of chromosome 9 in maize. Molecular markers ( umc105a on the short arm of chromosome 9, csu145a on the long arm) were used that flank quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sugarcane borer (SCB) and southwestern corn borer (SWCB) resistance. As reference markers, a centromere-specific probe (CentC) and a knob-specific probe (pZm4-21) were utilized. Two fluorescent dyes with four probes were used to physically position these markers. Signals of repetitive DNA sequences in cosmid probes were suppressed by chromosome in situ suppression (CISS) hybridization. FISH signals were strong and reproducible for all probes. We measured the distances in micrometers for four subchromosomal regions and estimated the corresponding number of base pairs. The physical locations of the markers were compared on mitotic metaphase and pachytene chromosomes to the genetic map of chromosome 9. Genetic analysis positioned the two markers for SCB resistance in a central interval representing approximately 33.7% of the genetic length. However, the physical distance between these probes was determined to encompass about 70% of the physical length of chromosome 9. The two markers were located at distal positions on opposite arms of chromosome 9. Physical maps provide valuable information for gene isolation and understanding recombination.