Background: Development of molecular markers such as SSR (simple sequence repeat), DArT (diversity arrays technology) and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) is fundamental for linkage map construction and QTL mapping. However, DArT and SNP genotyping require special tools, and detection of SSR polymorphisms requires time-consuming polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Furthermore, many markers have been mapped in different populations such that their genetic positions are inconsistent. Recently, InDel (insertion and deletion) markers have become popular in genetic map construction and map-based cloning.
Results: Aligning genomic DNA sequences in two barley cultivars (Morex and Barke) identified 436,640 InDels. We designed 1140 InDel markers across the barley genome with an average genetic distance of 1 cM, each having a unique location in the barley genome. High-resolution melting (HRM) technology was used to genotype 55 InDel markers; those PCR amplicons with melting temperature differences >0.3 °C were ideal for HRM genotyping. The 1140 InDel markers together with 383 SSRs, 3909 gene-based SNPs and 1544 DArT markers were integrated into single barley genetic map according to their physical map positions.
Conclusions: High-density InDel markers with specific genome locations were developed, with 6976 molecular markers (SSRs, DArTs, SNPs and InDels) integrated into single barley genetic map. HRM genotyping of the InDel markers each with single PCR band will facilitate quick map construction and gene fine-mapping.