ARS | Publication request: DEFINING GENES FOR AGRICULTURAL TRAITS: QTL ANALYSIS AND THE CANDIDATE GENE APPROACH

Submitted to: Probe
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: November 3, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Quantitative trait locus (QTL) methodology allows researchers to identify chromosome regions linked to quantitative traits and to estimate the size of effects and type of gene action in those regions. Biological interpretation of the detected QTLs is usually limited by lack of information about the metabolic pathways leading to trait expression. For traits with sufficient information on pathway biochemistry and/or genetics however, a candidate gene approach (proposing specific known genes that correspond to detected QTLs) can often be applied. We review briefly several studies in which this approach has been used effectively, then discuss in more detail our investigation of the genetic control of maysin, a corn earworm resistance compound produced via the flavonoid pathway in maize silks. One of the major findings of the maysin study was the importance of regulator genes in controlling trait expression. The limitations of the candidate gene approach are discussed, and additional information resources listed.