Multi-Environment QTL Analysis
by
Paul Eckermann
University of Adelaide
Coauthors: Ari Verbyla (University of Adelaide), Brian Cullis (NSW Agriculture)

Multi-environment trials require analysis that combines information across sites to determine varietal performance. Current methods assume the genotype by environment effects can be summarised using Factor Analytic models. These models aim to determine a small number of factors that explain genetic correlations and variation across sites (see Smith et al. 2001).

If genetic marker information is available, the factors that influence the genetic performance of varieties should relate to underlying genes or QTLs.

This talk will investigate possible models for multi-environment QTL analysis. The relationship of these models with the factor analytic MET model will be discussed.

References: Smith, A.B., Cullis, B.R. and Thompson, R. 2001. Analysing variety by environment data using multiplicative mixed models. Biometrics, 57: 1138-1147.

Date received: September 9, 2002