Mapping of Quantitative Traits Loci: Harnessing Genomics Revolution for Dissecting Complex Traits

With the onset of the genomic era, mapping of Quantitative Traits Loci (QTLs) appears to be a feasible solution for dissecting the complex architecture of numerous multigenic traits of significance. Great progress has been made in the recent past in QTL mapping, advances in fine mapping and expression studies conjugated with cheaper prices present a new arena for QTL mapping of under-studied species that lack reference genome sequences. Here we reviewed, basic to advances in mapping of QTLs, QTG (Quantitative Traits Gene) sequence, Meta-QTL analysis, statistical software in mapping and validating QTL. This review also emphasizes precision phenotyping by an amalgamation of AI in the phenotyping of traits. Despite the identification of numerous major and minor QTLs governing various traits, only a few have been utilized in crop improvement programs. Furthermore, validations of identified QTL and their introgression in the elite lines are strongly recommended.