A Genetic Linkage Map of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a cool-season grass native to temperate regions of Asia, North Africa, and Europe. This species is important for forage and turfgrass applications, and it is grown throughout much of the temperate world. In general, perennial ryegrass breeding efforts are directed toward selection for improved turfgrass quality and growth habit, increased disease resistance, higher seed yields, and enhanced tolerance to abiotic and environmental stresses. The efficiency of the selection process can be improved via complementation with molecular markers, which requires the development of a genetic linkage map. An F₁ generation mapping population was established from the hybridization of two heterozygous parents and used to construct the genetic linkage map.