The sequence of these DArT markers plus SNP and EST-SSR markers was then used to form a bridge to the sorghum genomic sequence by BLAST alignment to start to unravel the complex genomic architecture of sugarcane.
Sugarcane genetic mapping has lagged behind other crops due to its complex autopolyploid genome structure. Modern sugarcane cultivars have from 110-120 chromosomes and are in general interspecific hybrids between two species with different basic chromosome numbers:Saccharum officinarum (2n = 80) with a basic chromosome number of 10 and S. spontaneum (2n = 40-128) with a basic chromosome number of 8.
Few association mapping studies have simultaneously accounted for population structure, genotype by environment interaction (GEI), and spatial variation. In this sugarcane association mapping study we tested models accounting for these factors and identified the impact that each model component had on the list of markers declared as being significantly associated with traits. About 480 genotypes were evaluated for cane yield and sugar content at three sites and scored with DArT markers. A mixed model was applied in analysis of the data to simultaneously account for the impacts of population structure, GEI, and spatial variation within a trial.
