Quantitative Trait Loci and Breeding
Abstract
Plant breeding methodologies have changed greatly over the past century as new techniques and tools become available to breeders. The introduction of computer technologies, new statistical methods and molecular markers have greatly enhanced the rates of genetic gain that can be achieved in breeding programs. Many important traits for crop improvement, such as yield, quality and quantitative or durable disease resistances, are regarded as quantitative traits and are controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL). Recent advances in molecular marker systems have created new opportunities and strategies to select for quantitative traits. Strategies for deploying QTL in breeding programs vary from monitoring specific loci through to the deployment of molecular markers flanking the target QTL to the use of whole-genome marker scans to identify individual plants that will offer the greatest opportunity for genetic gain.
Citation
Fleury, D.; Delannay, X.; Langridge, P. Quantitative Trait Loci and Breeding. eLS (2012) : [DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0023712] Published Online: 15 May 2012