Bulked segregant analysis was used to identify simple sequence repeat
(SSR) markers associated with pod and kernel traits in cultivated
peanut, to permit rapid selection of superior quality genotypes in the
breeding program. SSR markers linked to pod and kernel traits were
identified in two DNA pools (high and low), which were established
using selected F2:6 recombinant individuals resulting from a cultivated
cross between a runner (Tamrun OL01) and a Spanish (BSS 56) peanut. To
identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for pod and kernel-related
traits, parents were screened initially with 112 SSR primer pairs. The
survey revealed 8.9% polymorphism between parents. Of ten SSR primer
pairs distinguishing the parents, five (PM375, PM36, PM45, pPGPseq8D9,
and Ah-041) were associated with differences between bulks for seed
length, pod length, number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight,
maturity, or oil content. Association was confirmed by analysis of
segregation among 88 F2:6 individuals in the RIL population. Phenotypic
means associated with markers for three traits differed by more than
40%, indicating the presence of QTLs with major effects for number of
pods per plant, plant weight, and pod maturity. The SSR markers can be
used for marker assisted selection for quality and yield improvement in
peanut. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the
identification of SSR markers linked to pod - and kernel- related
traits in cultivated peanut