CONSTRUCTION OF A LINKAGE MAP FOR THE PINK SALMON GENOME

¹ University of Montana, Division of Biological Sciences, HS 104, Missoula, MT 59812 USA

² Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Genetics Laboratory, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99518 USA

We are constructing a detailed genomic linkage map for pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). Families of haploid and gynogenetic diploid pink salmon were produced using gametes collected at the Armin F. Koernig hatchery in Prince William Sound, Alaska. We selected one reference family and have analyzed the segregation pattern of 620 DNA fragments in the maternal parent and 94 of her haploid progeny. Of these fragments, 563 have been assigned to one of 55 linkage groups. We have mapped 310 loci in relation to their centromeres using gynogenetic diploid progeny. In addition we have placed eight allozyme loci on the map. Techniques such as SSCP and heteroduplex analysis will enable us to include more anchor loci, such as growth hormone and Mhc genes, on the map. We are currently focused on reducing the number of linkage groups to 26, the number of chromosomes present in the female pink salmon genome. This detailed genetic map will aid in the estimation of straying rates, description of stock structure, and testing for a genetic basis of fitness traits.