A BAC library was constructed from the genomic DNA of an intergeneric
Citrus and
Poncirus hybrid. The library consists of 24,576 clones with an average insert size of 115 kb, representing approximately seven haploid
genome equivalents and is able to give a greater than 99% probability of isolating single-copy citrus DNA sequences from this
library. High-density colony hybridization-based library screening was performed using DNA markers linked to the citrus tristeza
virus (CTV) resistance gene and citrus disease resistance gene candidate (RGC) sequences. Between four and eight clones were
isolated with each of the CTV resistance gene-linked markers, which agrees with the library’s predicted genome coverage. Three
hundred and twenty-two clones were identified using 13 previously cloned citrus RGC sequences as probes in library screening.
One to four fragments in each BAC were shown to hybridize with RGC sequences. One hundred and nine of the RGC BAC clones were
fingerprinted using a sequencing gel-based procedure. From the fingerprints, 25 contigs were assembled, each having a size
of 120–250 kb and consisting of 2–11 clones. These results indicate that the library is a useful resource for BAC contig construction
and molecular isolation of disease resistance genes.
Keywords Citrus - BAC library - CTV resistance gene - Resistance gene candidates
Received: 22 May 2000 / Accepted: 25 September 2000