Developing strategies for application of resampling techniques in QTL mapping experiments with non-random populations

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Chris-Carolin Schön
• Subject Area: Plant Breeding and Plant Pathology
• Term: from 2006 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 23140958

The dissection of complex traits into their underlying genetic components has become a major research area in plant breeding. As a consequence, significant progress has been made in the development of biometric methods for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. Experimental studies on detection, mapping and unbiased estimation of QTL effects are generally performed on randomly derived progenies. For efficient integration of marker-assisted selection into classical breeding programs it seems indispensable to minimize expenditures by using selected populations for QTL detection. Thus, the development of new theoretical concepts for unbiased estimation of QTL effects in non-random populations is the focus of this study. Combining available QTL mapping methods, quantitative genetics, computer simulations, and analysis of experimental data, our goals are to develop biometric methods to apply QTL mapping and resampling techniques to non-random breeding populations such as Advanced-Backcross-populations (AB-QTL) or populations subjected to selection to obtain unbiased estimates of QTL effects and to allow full exploitation of the potential of marker-assisted selection. Our investigations will provide valuable analysis tools for optimizing marker-assisted selection programs. Furthermore, we aim to make recommendations on the integration of QTL analyses into practical breeding programs. Owing to the cooperative effort of research groups from Germany, Australia and the USA we expect that our results will be broadly distributed to the scientific community and practical plant breeding.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Australia
• Participating Persons: Professorin Dr. Diane Mather; Professor Dr. Albrecht E. Melchinger