The recent advances of DNA sequencing technologies paved the way for identifying many genes and hotspot genomic regions controlling target traits for crop improvement. The detection of novel genomic regions or candidate genes is very useful for plant breeders and geneticists to improve the crops, dissect the genetics of complex traits, and understand the biological processes of genes underpinning desired traits. Genetic validation (QTL, genomic regions, candidate genes, gene expression, marker development, etc.) is one of the basic steps for marker-assisted and genomic selection for any breeding or genetic programs to achieve their goals. Genetic validation examines whether the same QTL or gene tends to be significantly detected when the material is grown in other locations or years and whether its effect can still be significantly detected when tested in different genetic backgrounds. Furthermore, validation of the polymorphic DNA markers in different populations is useful for further genetic diversity studies. The cost of sequencing and genotyping for genetic diversity studies could be an obstacle for some researchers. Providing validated and highly polymorphic markers could save time and effort in breeding programs.
Many studies have published a myriad of QTL and genomic regions associated with target traits for crop improvement. However, most of these studies lacked the validation to be used for accelerating breeding and genetics programs. The current research topic plans to present a set of remarkable research and studies that aim to validate putative genetic results controlling target traits for the genetic improvement of crops. Moreover, the research topic aims to publish high-confidence-validated data to be used for upcoming research studies. The genetic validation can be investigated through marker-assisted selection, QTL fine genetic/physical mapping, genome-wide association study (GWAS), genomic selection, gene function, and gene expression. Also, validation of genetic diversity for DNA markers can be considered. Combined QTL and GWAS analyses as independent validation for the detected genomic region is highly appreciated to publish in this topic.
The research topic will cover many studies that will present proof of genetic validation and discuss the state-of-art methods that are used for validation. Precise phenotyping is required in addition to the genetic validation study. For QTL studies, QTLs should be validated in different locations and/or years and in different genetic backgrounds to estimate the role of epistasis and G×E interaction. For submissions describing QTL and genetic diversity validation, highly informative markers (e.g. KASP, SNP, DArT, and SSR) must be used. Submission with AFLP and RAPD markers will not be considered for publication in this issue.
From this perspective, we hope to receive manuscripts that fall within, but not limited to, the following themes:
- QTL fine genetic/physical mapping and validation of QTL controlling target traits for crop improvement
- Gene annotation analysis for candidate genes
- Validation of the polymorphic DNA markers in different population
- Validation of the expression for the gene of interest
- New methods or protocols for genetic validation
- Combined QTL and GWAS analyses with the same set of DNA markers are highly encouraged to submit their research
The recent advances of DNA sequencing technologies paved the way for identifying many genes and hotspot genomic regions controlling target traits for crop improvement. The detection of novel genomic regions or candidate genes is very useful for plant breeders and geneticists to improve the crops, dissect the genetics of complex traits, and understand the biological processes of genes underpinning desired traits. Genetic validation (QTL, genomic regions, candidate genes, gene expression, marker development, etc.) is one of the basic steps for marker-assisted and genomic selection for any breeding or genetic programs to achieve their goals. Genetic validation examines whether the same QTL or gene tends to be significantly detected when the material is grown in other locations or years and whether its effect can still be significantly detected when tested in different genetic backgrounds. Furthermore, validation of the polymorphic DNA markers in different populations is useful for further genetic diversity studies. The cost of sequencing and genotyping for genetic diversity studies could be an obstacle for some researchers. Providing validated and highly polymorphic markers could save time and effort in breeding programs.
Many studies have published a myriad of QTL and genomic regions associated with target traits for crop improvement. However, most of these studies lacked the validation to be used for accelerating breeding and genetics programs. The current research topic plans to present a set of remarkable research and studies that aim to validate putative genetic results controlling target traits for the genetic improvement of crops. Moreover, the research topic aims to publish high-confidence-validated data to be used for upcoming research studies. The genetic validation can be investigated through marker-assisted selection, QTL fine genetic/physical mapping, genome-wide association study (GWAS), genomic selection, gene function, and gene expression. Also, validation of genetic diversity for DNA markers can be considered. Combined QTL and GWAS analyses as independent validation for the detected genomic region is highly appreciated to publish in this topic.
The research topic will cover many studies that will present proof of genetic validation and discuss the state-of-art methods that are used for validation. Precise phenotyping is required in addition to the genetic validation study. For QTL studies, QTLs should be validated in different locations and/or years and in different genetic backgrounds to estimate the role of epistasis and G×E interaction. For submissions describing QTL and genetic diversity validation, highly informative markers (e.g. KASP, SNP, DArT, and SSR) must be used. Submission with AFLP and RAPD markers will not be considered for publication in this issue.
From this perspective, we hope to receive manuscripts that fall within, but not limited to, the following themes:
- QTL fine genetic/physical mapping and validation of QTL controlling target traits for crop improvement
- Gene annotation analysis for candidate genes
- Validation of the polymorphic DNA markers in different population
- Validation of the expression for the gene of interest
- New methods or protocols for genetic validation
- Combined QTL and GWAS analyses with the same set of DNA markers are highly encouraged to submit their research