For the past decade, there has been success in using conventional
map-based strategies in identification and cloning of quantitative trait
loci (QTL) in model plant species including tomato and Arabidopsis.
These quantitative traits are generally the products of many loci with
varying degrees of effect upon the observed phenotypes. Recently, a new
approach to genetic mapping has emerged called association mapping. This
new technique takes into account the thousands of genes to evaluate for
QTL effect and is a more efficient approach that does not require
generation of segregating populations/large numbers of progeny. As it
can utilize all of the historic recombination events in a diverse
population of individuals it can generate higher resolution genetic maps
and, is needed to complement current map based cloning methods.
Association Mapping in Plants provides both basic and advanced
understanding of association mapping and an awareness of population
genomics tools to facilitate mapping and identification of the
underlying causes of quantitative trait variation in plants. It acts as
a useful review of the marker technology, the statistical methodology,
and the progress to date. It also offers guides to the use of single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in association studies.
