Abstract: 544 DNA markers which were tested for the expected 3∶1 segregation by the chi-square test for 69 F₂ individuals were detected with 40 SADF synthetic primers and 137 RAPD primers. Using these DNA markers the linkage analysis was performed by Mapmaker/Exp (Version 3.0b). The following parameters were preset: two-point analysis (LOD 3.0, maximum recombination value 0.3); three-point and multipoint analysis (LOD 3.0, maximum recombination value no more than 0.2). Linked markers were also identified at the “group” command with LOD score 4 and maximum recombination value 0.2. The functions of Mapmaker were employed to assess the order of the markers in each group. Recombination values were converted into map distance (centimorgan, cM) by applying the Kosambi function. A molecular linkage map of silkworm was constructed.

Key words: silkworm, DNA markers, linkage map, genetics