QTL Analysis 1 - Objectives and Overview

Understanding the genetic control of quantitative traits helps plant breeders improve crop yield, disease resistance, end-use quality, and other important characteristics. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis is a methodology that combines DNA marker and phenotypic trait data to locate and characterize genes that influence quantitative traits. In this pair of lessons (QTL Analysis 1 and 2) we will provide an overview of the methods and uses of QTL analysis, rather than detailed explanations of this complex statistical methodology. Upon completing this lesson (QTL Analysis 1) you should be able to:

  • Explain the basic concepts of QTL analysis.
  • List the main components of a QTL study.
  • Name three types of population used in QTL analysis and describe how they are developed.
  • Describe the steps in phenotypic evaluation in a QTL study.
  • Explain the process and outputs of marker evaluation in a QTL study.
JNRLSE Approved, 2005

Development of this lesson was supported in part by USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS) and the Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service, U.S. Dept of Agriculture under Agreement Number 00-52100-9710. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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