Association analysis and its application in plant genetic research
关联分析及其在植物遗传学研究中的应用

Most of the important economic traits in plant genetics are attributed to complex traits. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping is an important tool for studying complex traits. However, because of its limitations, QTL mapping is used only in certain cases. Association analysis, a new approach for dissecting complex traits based on linkage disequilibrium, can overcome the limitations of QTL mapping for use in plant genetic studies. As compared with QTL mapping and other methods used to dissect complex traits, association analysis does not need specific population construction, multiple alleles can be analyzed synchronously, and mapping resolution is higher. Here, we introduce the methodology and properties of association analysis, outline the progress with such analysis in plant genetics research, and discuss future applications and potential development of association analysis in plant genetics research.