Exploiting Natural Variation to Understand Gene Function in Pine

摘要: Plant and animal breeders have made tremendous progress using phenotypic selection quantitative genetic theory. Genetically improved varieties resulted without any knowledge of the specific genes affecting desirable phenotypes. Genomic technologies now make it possible to identify loci phenotypes measure relative effects different alleles. Breeders will soon option select directly on genotype. However, there be considerable challenges in accurately estimating many alleles complex trait Because their evolutionary history, life history reproductive characteristics, pines provide an excellent model system begin establish relationships between genotype phenotype. Knowledge gained from not only used applied forest tree breeding but might also serve for basic discovery that can transferred other plant systems.