Trait mapping approaches through linkage mapping in plants

Abstract

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in crop plants has now become a common practice due to the advances made in the area of molecular markers as well as that of statistical genomics. Consequently, large numbers of QTLs have been identified in different crops for a variety of traits. Several computational tools are now available that suit the type of mapping population and the trait(s) to be studied for QTL analyses as well as the objective of the program. These methods are comprised of simpler approaches like single marker analysis and simple interval mapping to relatively exhaustive inclusive composite interval mapping and Bayesian interval mapping. The relative significance of each of these methods varies considerably. The progress made in the area of computational analysis involving the identification of QTLs either through interval mapping or association mapping is unprecedented, and it is expected that it will continue to evolve over the coming years. An overview of the different methods of linkage-based QTL analysis is provided in this chapter.