Frequency distributions and linkage relationships of 2-tridecadone in interspecific segregating generations of tomato

The levels of the naturally occurring insecticide 2-tridecadone (2TD) were measured in leaves of Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum, L. esculentum, the interspecific F₁ hybrid, the F₂ and backeross generations. The wild species contains 50 times more 2TD than the cultivated tomato and the frequency distribution of the substance indicates that there is dominance for low levels of the compound. The genotype of F₂ plants was determined with respect to 6 codominant isozyme markers and 4 dominant/recessive markers. Significant associations were detected between 5 of the marker genes and the level of 2TD. We interpret these results as implying linkage between marker genes and genes that control the level of 2TD. The behavior of the gene for the determinant growth habit of the plants suggests that it has a pleiotropic effect on the level of 2TD.