ARS | Publication request: Qualitative Genetics - Examples from Soybean and Other Crops

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 24, 2008
Publication Date: November 27, 2008
Citation: Palmer, R.G., Perez, P.T. 2008. Qualitative Genetics - Examples from Soybean and Other Crops [abstract]. Conventional and Molecular Breeding of Field and Vegetable Crops International Conference, November 24-27, 2008, Novi Sad, Serbia. p. 22.

Technical Abstract: Qualitative genetics, also known as Mendelian genetics or transmission genetics, refers to those genetic traits that have a distinct appearance (phenotype) and are controlled by one or several genes. Examples of qualitative genetics include response to abiotic and biotic stresses, and anatomical, morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits. A way to study the inheritance of qualitative traits in crop plants is by the development of near-isogenic lines, which refer to genetic lines that differ in only one trait. Near-isogenic lines can be developed by repeated backcrosses to a recurrent parent, spontaneous mutations, chemical or radiation treatments, or from transposition of transposable elements. The use of near-isogenic lines has been very useful in the integration of the Classical Genetic Maps with the Molecular Genetic Maps. The rationale is that if the donor parent allele is still present in the near-isogenic line, then presumptive evidence of linkage between the molecular marker and the introgressed gene can be inferred. Examples of qualitative genetics and near-isogenic lines will include soybean, garden pea, barley, wheat, maize and tomato.