Features of linkage

 Following are the characteristic features of linkage

• The genes for linked traits are located on the same chromosome

• Linked genes are located closely on the same chromosome

• Strength of linkage depends on the distance between the genes, the lesser the distance more the linkage

• The linkage may involve dominant-dominant, recessive-recessive or dominant-recessive genes

• More parental type progenies are observed than recombinant type

• Test cross progenies deviate from 1:1:1:1

• The inked genes may be of all desirable, all undesirable, or both desirable and undesirable

• In addition to pleiotropy, the linkage is another cause for genetic correlation between various plant characters

• Maximum number of linkage groups equal to haploid chromosome (n) number in homogametic individual and n+1 in case of heterogametic individual

• Repeated intermating of randomly selected plants for generations breaks the linkage