Identification of tightly linked SSR markers for flower type in carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

Single or double flower type is one of the most important breeding targets in carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.). We mapped the D 85 locus, which controls flower type, to LG 85P_15–2 using a simple sequence repeat (SSR)-based genetic linkage map constructed using 91 F 2 progeny derived from a cross between line 85–11 (double flower) and ‘Pretty Favvare’ (single flower). A positional comparison using SSR markers as anchor loci revealed that the map positions of the D 85 locus corresponded to the single locus controlling the single flower type derived from wild D. capitatus ssp. andrzejowskianus . We identified four co-segregating SSR markers on the D 85 locus. Verification of the SSR markers in commercial cultivars revealed that two of the four SSR markers (CES0212 and CES1982) were tightly linked to the D 85 locus, and amplified a 176-bp and 269-bp allele, respectively, which were common and unique to double flower cultivars. The map positions of the D 85 locus and the tightly linked SSR markers will be useful for determining the genetic basis of flower type and for marker-assisted breeding of carnations.