Mapping Populations

Mapping populations are groups of individuals developed through controlled breeding strategies and used for genetic studies, including linkage mapping, quantitative trait loci (QTL) identification, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These populations are indispensable in plant and animal genetics as they provide a structured framework for identifying the genetic basis of traits. Various types of mapping populations, such as F2, backcross (BC), recombinant inbred lines (RILs), near-isogenic lines (NILs), and doubled haploids (DH), have distinct characteristics, advantages, and limitations, making them suitable for specific research applications.