I. SUMMARY

The general objectives of this research project are:

·        to provide the methodological basis and molecular tools for improving the breeding efficiency in the two perennial tropical oil crops coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis); 

• to develop these DNA marker-based breeding strategies in collaboration with the most important countries in coconut and oil palm production in Asia, and

• to directly transfer to developing countries small-scale technological solutions for the genetic improvement of these tropical oil crops by marker-assisted breeding.

Within the second year, the project considerably increased the density for the molecular linkage maps of coconut and oil palm, respectively. The actual oil palm HD map includes a total of 915 markers (257 SSR, 658 AFLP) distributed on 16 linkage groups (corresponding to the 16 chromosomes). It has a total length of 1735 cM and a marker density of 1.9 cM. This is the first HD genetic map ever produced in a tropical perennial crop. With respect to coconut, linkage maps for 6 genotypes were established on the basis of four mapping populations East African Tall (EAT₀₇₀₇) x Pemba Red Dwarf (PRD), EAT₁₀₁₁ x Rennell Island Tall (RLT₀₇₁₀), Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD₂₀) x Laguna Tall (LAGT₀₇) and Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD) x RIT. The current status of the individual maps is:

EAT₀₇₀₇: 707 markers on 16 linkage groups; map length 2083 cM (year 1);

EAT₁₀₁₁: 338 markers on 16 linkage groups; map length 2360 cM;

RLT₀₇₁₀: 204 markers on 16 linkage groups; map length 1492 cM;

LAGT₀₇: 293 markers on 16 linkage groups; map length 2533 cM;

MYD₂₀: 216 markers on 16 linkage groups; map length 1459 cM. and

RIT: 275 markers on 16 linkage groups; map length 1850 cM

Thus, for coconut a total of 2033 markers have been mapped up to now. It is expected that with the use of common AFLP and co-dominant SSR markers the project will finally produce an HD coconut reference map consisting of some 2000 markers. Along this line, for several genotypes homologous linkage groups were assigned. Synteny of the coconut and oil palm genomes (with respect to marker position) is obvious from the results of year 2: For eight of the 16 linkage groups of oil palm, the corresponding homologous linkage groups can already now be identified with the RIT linkage map, which in turn allows to associate linkage groups of the other coconut maps.

QTL analyses were continued for coconut and oil palm and new QTLs could be mapped. For the EAT₀₇₀₇ x PRD coconut mapping population, character records for ten traits were obtained in 2002 and 2003 and mapped onto the EAT₀₇₀₇ linkage map. These include wax content of the leaf, a trait linked to increased tolerance to Lethal Yellowing (LY) phytoplasma, the most devastating disease in coconut. QTL analyses for several different characters were performed in the different coconut populations. It is possible to compare QTL numbers, locations and effects for the characters leaf number and palm height already in three mapping populations. In addition, several morphological leaf characteristics can be compared in the two EAT linkage maps. This comparative QTL analysis will be completed, when additional microsatellite markers have been mapped and will allow the alignment of the different linkage maps into the reference coconut linkage map. This will allow to analyse precisely the co-locations of QTLs in different genetic backgrounds.

Dissemination of the results from the project was executed via two web sites on the internet as well as by presentations in international symposia and by other publications. For 2004, the project organizes an international symposium (http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~rohde/LINK2PALM2004.html) on the application of biotechnologies to coconut and oil palm, the two most important perennial oil crops of the tropics.

II. SCIENTIFIC ANNUAL REPORT

II.1 Content

The scientific work packages and deliverables to be pursued during Year 2 are highlighted in blue in the corresponding lists at the end of the coordinator’s report.

Work package (WP) 1: Generation and screening of microsatellite markers (SSRs) in coconut and oil palm (responsible Partner P3, CIRAD)

In year 1, Partner 3 had developed 251 and 258 functional SSR primer pairs (PCs) in coconut and oil palm, respectively. These SSR PCs were tested on coconut and oil palm reference map populations for the determination of intra-species polymorphisms and cross-taxa transferability. Appropriate primer pairs were selected for linkage mapping on coconut and oil palm, based on results in terms of polymorphic alleles, transferability and pattern quality data. In year 2, coconut and oil palm SSR primers revealing segregating loci OF or COMMON TO the reference map population EAT₁₀₁₁ x RLT₀₇₁₀ were selected for coconut linkage mapping in the frame of WP4. Aliquots of corresponding SSR primers pairs were received from Partner P3 by Partners P1, P2 and P4 to genotype their respective mapping populations. Aliquots of developed oil palm SSR primers were also diffused by Partner P3 to Partners P5 and P6 with respect to the study of genetic diversity, pedigree or genetic mapping studies outside the project.

Summary: The task is completed.

WP2: Construction of COS libraries in coconut and oil palm and development of SNP markers (responsible Partner P1, MPIZ)

At the end of year 1, a total of some 120,000 COS clones had been individualized by high throughput technology at MPIZ for oil and coconut palm, respectively, corresponding to 2.5 and 2.3 genome equivalents (oil palm: 1.95x10⁹ bp; coconut: 2.15x10⁹ bp genome size), respectively. For 96 individual COS clones end-sequencing had also been pursued. Primer development for SNP analysis (part of Deliverable D2.1) with the parents of mapping populations, however, was postponed into year 3 (when the mapping of individual COS clones is foreseen) due to the success of COS clone association with already mapped AFLP markers via the COS pool strategy and due the financial constraints as a result of the necessary upgrading of the TECAN biorobot for COS pooling. The generation of pools of COS clones in coconut and oil palm from the individualised COS clones for AFLP analysis and association to mapped AFLP markers was completed in the first half of year 2 (Deliverables D2.2a and b). Although it was foreseen that all partners involved in the physical mapping activity would isolate the DNAs themselves, Partner P1 performed this additional task and distributed DNA of the 30 8dimensional pools (corresponding to 28,800 unique COS clones) to all partners involved in the physical mapping activity (WP5: P1, P2 and P4 for coconut; WP9: P2, P3, and P6 for oil palm).

Summary: By high throughput technology using upgraded biorobots and software developed by Partner P2, COS pools for coconut and oil palm were established, the DNAs isolated and distributed to the partners. Tasks 2.1 and 2.3 of this work package are completed.

WP3: Construction of a coconut HD reference map in the population EAT₁₀₁₁ x RLT₀₇₁₀ (responsible Partner P2, NEIKER)

As indicated in the first year report, further mapping efforts were directed to the EAT₁₀₁₁ x RLT₀₇₁₀ population for which currently (see report subcontractor S2) 60 palms are left, but the DNA of 86 progenies is available for mapping purposes. The available marker number in this mapping population has been increased tremendously during the second year. A total of 122 AFLP PCs were applied to this mapping population (no contribution by subcontractor S2) and produced 865 polymorphic markers. In addition, Partner P4 continued mapping of the MYD₂₀ x LAGT₀₇ population by using 62 AFLP PCs and producing 124 new markers. Thus in total the project applied 184 AFLP PCs instead of the 150 PCs foreseen for year 2 and produced almost 1000 new AFLP markers instead of the 600-750 foreseen for year 2 (Deliverable D3.2). Together with the results of SSR mapping, for the EAT₁₀₁₁ x RLT₀₇₁₀ mapping population 914 segregating bands were obtained from the 122 AFLP and 23 SSR primer combinations, ranging between 1 and 20 bands per combination. Due to this large amount of new markers, two completely new parental linkage maps were constructed for the genotypes EAT₁₀₁₁ and RLT₀₇₁₀ using the MAPRF software of Partner P2.

The actual EAT₁₀₁₁ map contains 16 linkage groups (in accordance with the chromosome number of the haploid coconut genome) with a total of 338 markers and has a genome length of 2360 cM. Individual linkage groups vary between 85 and 203 cM in length and contain between 11 and 33 markers each. The actual RLT₀₇₁₀ map has also 16 linkage groups, but due to lower polymorphisms a somewhat reduced marker number of 204 and a total map length of 1492 cM. Individual linkage groups vary between 40 and 165 cM in length and contain between 6 and 24 markers each.

The second EAT map (EAT₀₇₀₇) which was discontinued at the end of year 1 contains 16 linkage groups and is 2083 cM in length. The individual linkage groups vary in length between 99 and 166 cM and contain between 22 and 77 markers each. This map contains a total of 707 markers, and this is well within the range of 600-750 mapped markers foreseen as deliverable D3.1. The switch to the second mapping population does not in any way impose constraints on the feasibility of the work package, but offers the opportunity to increase the marker density of the published RIT map for which currently only 227 markers are described. From the initial AFLP studies it can be foreseen that additionally to the anticipated increase of the EAT map the project will generate between 300 to 600 new markers for the RLT map.

Furthermore, the LAGT and MYD maps were updated by Partner P2 with additional markers provided by Partner P4. The actual LAGT₀₇ map contains 16 linkage groups and is 2533 cM in length. The individual lnkage groups vary in length between 81 and 205 cM and contain between 8 and 30 markers each. The map contains a total of 293 markers. The MYD₂₀ map contains 16 linkage groups and is 1459 cM in length. The individual linkage groups vary in length between 36 and 193 cM and contain between 4 and 47 markers each. The map contains a total of 216 markers.

Summary: For coconut a total of 2033 markers have been mapped up to now (Deliverable D3.2). This number of markers distributed on 6 different individual maps is by far higher than anticipated. It is expected that with the use of common AFLP and co-dominant SSR markers the project will finally produce an HD coconut reference map consisting of some 2000 markers. The individual maps and data are available at the WEB site www.neiker.net/link2palm (Deliverable 3.1).

WP4: Integration of SSR markers into the coconut HD reference map, alignment of other maps in coconut and selection of a Molecular Marker Set (MMS). (responsible Partner P2, NEIKER)

During the second year, SSR primers identified under WP 1 were scored on the 4 mapping populations. Partner P1 used 66 (coconut) and 38 (oil palm) functional SSR PCs for scoring on the mapping population EAT₀₇₀₇ x PRD. Partner P2 analysed a total of 23 polymorphic SSR PCs in parents and progeny genotypes of the mapping population EAT₁₀₁₁ x RLT₀₇₁₀. Partner P3 used 56 SSR PCs on the CRD x RIT population and Partner P4 45 coconut and 13 oil palm SSR PCs for analysis of the MYD₂₀ x LAGT₀₇ mapping population. Thus, considerably more (241) than the prospected 80 SSR PCs (Task 4.1) were applied by the project. It is foreseen that even more SSR PCs will be used for the alignment of the 6 coconut maps in year 3.

Summary: Deliverables D4.1 and D4.2 expected at the end of year 2 have been reached. Three times more than the prospected 80 SSR PCs have been applied in the project for the alignment of the six individual coconut linkage maps into the HD reference map.

WP 5: Physical mapping of COS clones and candidate genes in the coconut genome (responsible Partner P1, MPIZ)

Partner P1 pioneered the mapping strategy via COS pools (tasks 5.1 and 5.2) using the 2 software programmes developed by Partner P2, and screened 10 AFLP PCs on the coconut pools (WP2): As a first result, 9 COS clones could be physically linked to mapped AFLP markers and thus placed onto the map (Deliverable D5.1a). Partners P2 and P4 have similarly started this activity which will continue until the end of the project and increase the list of mapped COS clones. According to the work programme, mapping of individual COS clones and candidate genes is foreseen for year 3 and will be pursued as proposed.

Summary: The association of COS clones to mapped AFLP markers has been started in year 2 as foreseen in the work programme and a first list of mapped COS clones has been established. Task 5.1 was completed, while tasks 5.2 and 5.3 will be continued in year 3.

WP6: QTL analyses in reference and existing coconut populations (responsible Partner P2, NEIKER)

QTL analyses were continued for coconut and new QTLs could be mapped. Subcontractor S2 provided vegetative and reproductive data for the 2 mapping populations EAT₀₇₀₇ x PRD and EAT₁₀₁₁ x RLT₀₇₁₀ which Partner P2 analysed using MAPRF and SAS software with the Interval Mapping method. For the EAT₀₇₀₇ x PRD coconut mapping population, character records for ten traits were obtained in 2002 and 2003 and mapped onto the EAT₀₇₀₇ linkage map. These characters include: LP = Leaf production, LN = Leaflet number, HE = Height [cm], LW = Leaflet width [cm], PL = Petiole length [cm], LL= Leaflet length [cm], PW = Petiole width [cm], RL = Rachis length  [cm]. Four QTLs were obtained for each of the characters PW and LL, two QTLs were obtained for LP and RL and one QTL was detected for PL and LW. No QTL was detected for LN. Compared to the analyses from last year and to the results in other progenies, less QTLs were detected in this reporting period, probably due to the limited progeny size. The 14 QTLs were located on 6 of the 16 linkage groups. Certain QTLs for different characters mapped to identical or closely linked intervals on chromsomes 13, 14 and 15, reflecting the relationships which exist between the different traits. Also with respect to the results from 2002, QTLs in similar positions were detected on chromosomes 13 and 14. Single QTLs explained between 7 and 44% of the total phenotypic variance. For the trait LL nearly 80% of the total variation were explained by four QTLs. Furthermore, with the EAT₀₇₀₇ x PRD population subcontractor S1 performed wax analyses on material provided by subcontractor S2. Despite of the reduced progeny size of the EAT₀₇₀₇ x PRD population, three QTLs for total wax contents were detected on 3 different linkage groups. Individual QTLs explained 13, 19 and 23% of total variance and all together over 50% of it.

Since a complete new linkage map was constructed in the EAT₁₀₁₁ x RLT₀₇₁₀ population, QTL analyses with the data from 2002 were repeated this year. In addition new character records from June 2003 for the same traits as in 2002 and for the same traits as in population EAT₀₇₀₇ x PRD (except LS and PS) were obtained from subcontractor S2 (MARI – Tanzania). With respect to the trait records of 2002, QTLs were detected for all 10 traits. A total of 41 QTLs were detected varying between 2 (LS) and 7 QTLs (LP) for the different characters. Most of the QTLs except for seven descended from the EAT parent.  EAT QTLs were located on 9 of the 16 linkage groups. Seven of the EAT QTLs were detected on linkage groups 4 and 8. Certain QTLs for different characters mapped to identical or closely linked intervals, reflecting the relationships that exist between the different traits. Single QTLs explained between 5 and 18% of the total phenotypic variance. The variance explained by the combined number of QTLs varied between 17.5% for LS and 58% for LP.

Summary: QTL analysis was performed on 2 mapping populations based on new data provided by subcontractor S2, and the results are available at the WEB site www.neiker.net/link2palm (Deliverables 6.1b, D6.2b and D6.3b).

WP7: Construction of an oil palm HD reference map in the cross DA10D x LM2T based on AFLP and SSR markers (responsible Partner P3, CIRAD)

Partner P2, P3 and P6 collaborated in the development of AFLP markers for the oil palm linkage map. The AFLP analysis data of Partners P2 (NEIKER; 16 PCs; 140 segregating alleles); P3 (CIRAD; 20 PCs; 272 segregating alleles) and P6 (MPOB; 23 PCs; 127 segregating alleles) amounted to a total of 126 AFLP primer combinations which were subjected to data scoring on the LM2T x DA10D reference cross. A total of 1118 AFLP alleles were generated i.e. an average of 9 alleles per PCs.

With respect to SSR markers, an overall total of 288 SSR primers pairs were analysed by Partner P3. Segregating data were scored and a total of 278 SSR loci were revealed in the LM2T X DA10D cross. More co-segregating SSR markers were needed to build a consensus map from the two parent maps LM2T and DA10D (based on preliminary mapping analysis). Therefore, the main effort was placed on the mapping of all available co-dominant SSR loci rather than of supplementary dominant AFLP markers.

The actual HD linkage map consists of 915 markers (257 SSRs, 658 AFLPs) distributed on 16 linkage groups corresponding to the 16 oil palm chromosomes. It has a total length of 1735 cM and a marker density of 1.9 cM. In year 3, this map will reach a total of about 1200 marker loci as planned by the project. Tasks 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 are completed.

Summary:  The oil palm linkage map comprises 915 markers on 16 linkage groups. This is the first HD genetic map ever produced in a perennial tropical crop

WP8: Construction of oil palm microsatellite-based consensus linkage maps and selection of a Molecular Marker Set (responsible Partner P3, CIRAD)

Partner P3 built in year 2 a multi-parent SSR linkage map of the 2 X 2 complete factorial (CF) genetic design. This map was established using the following strategy: 1) construction of a separate map for each of the 4 crosses of the CF design; 2) integration of the 4 linkage maps into a 2 X 2 synthetic map due to available multi-allelic bridge SSR markers. The CF consensus map consists of 251 SSR marker loci, the Sh morphological gene and its close AFLP-BSA marker (E-Agg/M-CAA132) located at 7 cM

Summary: As outlined in the Technical Annex, tasks 8.1 and 8.2 are completed. Deliverables are due only in year 3.

WP9: Physical mapping of COS clones in the oil palm genome (responsible Partner P2, NEIKER)

This activity has been initiated by Partner P3 only at the end of year 2 and a list of COS clones associated to AFLP markers (Deliverable 9.1a) is currently not available. A set of 30 AFLP EcoRI/MseI PCs are being analysed for mapped AFLP loci which where identified, at month 23, to be linked to agronomic QTLs in the oil palm reference population. From the experience of Partner P1 with using this mapping strategy in coconut, however, this delay will be rapidly overcome. Partner P1 has performed part of Task 9.1 (preparation of DNA from COS pools). Partner P2 (NEIKER) will collaborate in the mapping of the COS clones when the scoring values from the pools of COS clones will be available from partner P3.

Summary: Association of COS clones to mapped AFLP markers has been initiate4d.

WP10: QTL analyses in reference and consensus map populations of oil palm (responsible Partner P3, CIRAD)

Based on available molecular and phenotypic data, Partner P3 performed the genetic mapping of the Sh major gene (responsible of the variety type) and QTL analysis of 2 vegetative characters (stem height after 15 years, length of the mature leaf F17) on the oil palm reference map population LM2T X DA10D. The Sh gene was mapped onto the LM2T parent linkage group no. 1 at 6.2 cM from an AFLP marker. Three QTLs involved in the stem height after 15 years were detected in the LM2T parent (linkage groups no. 5 and 15), while two QTLs of the length of the mature leaf F17 were identified in the DA10D parent (linkage groups 4 and 5).

Summary: QTL analysis was continued in year 2 and the Sh gene important for breeding was mapped in 6.2 cM distance to an AFLP marker.

WP11: Synteny study between coconut and oil palm (responsible Partner P2, NEIKER)

This task has been initiated in year 2. For this purpose, common SSR markers were evaluated in coconut and oil palm mapping populations. For 8 linkage groups (LGs) of oil palm, the corresponding homologous linkage groups can be identified in the coconut RIT linkage map. This in turn allows the association of linkage groups of the other five available coconut linkage maps. Eventually SSRs map to different genomic locations in different genotypes, but a “majority principle” can determine the most probable association of linkage groups. This, however, requires the analyses of sufficient SSR PCs for confirmation. In view of the present situation, it will be necessary to analyse additional SSRs for complete map alignment (foreseen for year 3) in the different genetic backgrounds of coconut in order to produce a high-density reference map for coconut and compare it to the reference map of oil palm. It is, therefore, suggested to reduce in coconut the number of AFLP PCs (also since the project already at the end of year 2 produced more than 2000 AFLP markers) and to increase in compensation SSR analysis to ensure complete map alignment, which is crucial for the usefulness of the results.

Summary: Already at this stage, 50% of the linkage groups for oil palm and coconut (RIT) can be aligned. With the application of more SSR PCs, the construction of a reference map for coconut and the mapping of more QTLs, it is envisioned that the synteny studies between coconut and oil palm can be successfully completed within the project.

WP12 and WP13: Field Trial Systems for coconut (responsible Partner P4, PCA ARC) and oil palm (responsible Partner P3, CIRAD)

For coconut, Partner P4 (PCA Albay Research Station) involved the PCA breeder Mr. G. Santos at PCA Zamboanga Research Station (ZRC) in setting up the appropriate crosses for the Field Trial Systems (FTSs). Two mapping populations, MP1 (CATD x (LAGT x WAT: AA17)) and MP2 (CATD x (LAGT x WAT: AN17)) recorded fruit sets of 204 and 190 nuts, respectively. The fruit yield records were achieved in spite of the unfavorable weather conditions prevailing at ZRC for the past several months. Pollination of the 3^rd mapping population, MP3 (CATD x (LAGT x WAT: AN14)) was completed with fruit set data indexing scheduled on early October 2003.

For oil palm, Partner 3 proposed the crossing plans of 3 oil palm FTS for Partners P5 (IOPRI) and P7 (SOCFINDO). At IPOPRI, crossing plans (FTS-1, FTS-2, FTS-3) were finalized and are being implemented. Partner 7 defined in link with Partner 3 the crossing plans of 3 oil palm field trial systems (FTS) to be planted on a total of 40 ha. For trial 1 which was named BIO1, the material is already available in the nursery, and will be planted in November 2003 in Block 49, Aek Loba Timur Estate. The work preparation in the field is still in progress, and the general layout, will be completed before planting. For trials 2 and 3 (BIO2 and BIO3) the pollination is still in progress.

All Partners P4, P5 and P7 have started appropriate activities.

Summary: Seed production has continued in coconut and oil palm for the planting of FTSs. For the first oil palm FTS (BIO1) at SOCFINDO, planting material is already in the nursery.

WP14: Dissemination and transfer of project results (responsible Partner P1, MPIZ)

Several activities have been conducted under this work package. In specific, dissemination has been a predominant activity, but also the transfer of project results in the frame of two international symposia has been started through the activities of the coordinator. Furthermore, a full papers in refereed journals on pool generation and software development, the oil palm HD map and the alignment of individual coconut maps into a coconut reference map are in preparation.

·        The project’s homepages at P1 (MPIZ) and P2 (NEIKER) (http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~rohde/link2palm.html, http://www.neiker.net/link2palm/) were updated.

·        The website for the LINK2PALM 2004 event in April 2004 in the Philippines has been written by the coordinator (http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~rohde/LINK2PALM2004.html) and speakers invited. This event will serve dissemination of results within the South East Asia region.

·        For dissemination of results in Latin America, the coordinator has foreseen within the CIMbios 2003 symposium (http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~rohde/CIMbios2003.html) a full day of biotechnology lectures on coconut and oil palm. Partners P1, P2 and P3 as well as subcontractor S1 will present their data.

·        Posters and manuscripts have been prepared for participation to the Tropentag 2003 and the PIPOC 2003 meeting (see accumulated publication list).

Summary: Dissemination of the results from this project via the Internet has been established (Deliverable D14.1a) and organization of the project’s international symposium in April 2004 was initiated.

II.2 Problems

II.2.1 A general problem (apparently not only applying to this project) is the delay of continuous funding based on the financial statements of the partners. Thus the funds for year 2 have still not been forwarded by the EC. In order to secure the continuation of its scientific activity and scientist exchange, P1 has prefinanced P4.

II.2.2 A specific problem with subcontractor S2 has arisen from the death of Ms. S. Sinje who has been trained in the preceding INCO-DC project in DNA marker technology. The responsible scientist Dr. Kullaya has sent two technicians for training at the Department of Crop Science of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences at Alnarp. The tasks of S2 with respect to AFLP marker generation were taken over by P1 without delay of the corresponding work package (WP3). Similarly, P3 has granted training to P6 in the frame of one of the work packages (WP7) foreseen for P6. This happened in view of the fact that the establishment of the molecular biology laboratory at P6 was retarded.

II.3 Publications

Cumulative Index of Publications

II.3.1 Papers:

1. Rohde, W., Sniady, V., Herrán, A., Estioko, L., Sinje, S., Becker, D., Kullaya, A., Rodriguez, J., Billotte, N. and Ritter, E. (2002): Construction and exploitation of high-density DNA marker and physical maps in the perennial tropical oil crops coconut and oil palm: from biotechnology towards marker-assisted breeding

http://www.wiz.uni-kassel.de/dtt2002/abstracts/full/44.pdf; pp. 1-8

2. Herrán, A., Estioko, L., Rodríguez, M.J.B., Becker, D., Sniady, W^., Billotte, N., Kullaya, A., Rohde, W. and Ritter, E. (2003): Exploitation of high-density DNA marker maps in coconut.

In: „Sustainable Forestry, Wood Products & Biotechnology" (E. Ritter, S. Espinel and Y. Barredoin, eds.) in press.

3. Billotte, N., Marseillac, N., Risterucci, A.-M., Asmady, Herrán, A., Singh, R., Amblard, P, Durand-Gasselin, T., Brottier, P., Courtois, B., Cheah, S.C., Rohde, W. and Ritter E. (2003): Reference and SSR multi-parent linkage maps for molecular breeding in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.).

In: „Sustainable Forestry, Wood Products & Biotechnology" (E. Ritter, S. Espinel and Y. Barredoin, eds.) in press.

4. Sniady, V., Becker, D., Herrán, A., Singh, R., Rodriguez, M.J.B., Cheah, S.C., Billotte, N., Rohde, W. and Ritter, E. (2003): Genomics in coconut and oil palm: Association of cosmid clones to mapped AFLP DNA markers via high-throughput technology.

Proc. MPOB Int. Palm Oil Conf. Malaysia, pp., in press.

5. Ritter, E., Herrán, A., Sniady, V., Becker, D., Singh, R., Rodriguez, J.M.B., Cheah, S.C., Billotte, N. and Rohde, W. (2003): High density linkage maps and their biotechnologigal applications.

Proc. MPOB Int. Palm Oil Conf. Malaysia, pp., in press.

6. Billotte, N., Marseillac, N., Risterucci, A.M., Asmady, Herrán, A., Singh, R.., Sniady, V., Amblard, P, de Franqueville, H., Durand-Gasselin, T., Courtois, B., Brottier, P., Asmono, D., Jourjon, M.F., Cheah, S.C., Rohde, W., Ritter, E. and Charrier, A. (2003): Linkage mapping and molecular breeding strategies in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.).

Proc. MPOB Int. Palm Oil Conf. Malaysia, pp., in press.

7. Rohde, W. (2003) Construction and exploitation of high density DNA marker and physical maps in the perennial tropical oil crops coconut and oil palm: from biotechnology towards marker-assisted breeding

Bulletin Burotrop 20: 13-14.

II.3.2 Posters:

1. Rohde, W., Sniady, V., Herrán, A., Estioko, L., Sinje, S., Becker, D., Kullaya, A., Rodriguez, J., Billotte, N. and Ritter, E.: Construction and exploitation of high-density DNA marker and physical maps in the perennial tropical oil crops coconut and oil palm: from biotechnology towards marker-assisted breeding.

Deutscher Tropentag 2002, University of Kassel-Witzenhausen, Germany,  October 9-11, 2002. 

2. Herrán, A., Estioko, L., Rodríguez, M.J.B., Becker, D., Sniady, W^., Billotte, N., Kullaya, A., Rohde, W. and Ritter, E.: Exploitation of high-density DNA marker maps in coconut.

BIOFOR 2002 - Sustainable Forestry, Wood Products & Biotechnology - Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, November 11-14, 2002

3. Billotte, N., Marseillac, N., Risterucci, A.-M., Asmady, Herrán, A., Singh, R., Amblard, P, Durand-Gasselin, T., Brottier, P., Courtois, B., Cheah, S.C., Rohde, W. and Ritter E.: Reference and SSR multi-parent linkage maps for molecular breeding in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.).

BIOFOR 2002 - Sustainable Forestry, Wood Products & Biotechnology - Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, November 11-14, 2002.

4. Sniady, V., Becker, D., Herrán, A., Singh, R., Rodriguez, M.J.B., Cheah, S.C., Billotte, N., Rohde, W. and Ritter, E.: Genomics in coconut and oil palm: Association of cosmid clones to mapped AFLP DNA markers via high-throughput technology.

Proc. MPOB Int. Palm Oil Conf. Malaysia, 2003, pp., in press.

5. Ritter, E., Herrán, A., Sniady, V., Becker, D., Singh, R., Rodriguez, J.M.B., Cheah, S.C., Billotte, N. and Rohde, W.: High density linkage maps and their biotechnologigal applications.

Proc. MPOB Int. Palm Oil Conf. Malaysia, pp., 2003, in press.

II.3.3 Internet

Project homepages were regularly updated at

NEIKER (http://www.neiker.net/link2palm/) and

MPIZ (http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~rohde/link2palm.html).

A new page written for the LINK2PALM symposium 2004 (http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~rohde/LINK2PALM2004.html).