A method to detect linkage of genetic traits to polymorphic DNA markers in outbred populations when pedigree analysis is not feasible is presented. The procedure takes advantage of increased linkage disequilibrium that occurs when isolated races or subspecies mate and interbreed. By selecting restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or microsatellite marker loci that have different allele frequencies in admixed populations, genetic associations produced de novo by hybridization will persist as a function of θ (map distance) for 10–20 generations after initial interbreeding. By careful selection of loci and study populations, the procedure detects linkage of traits otherwise refractory to linkage analysis.