RESTRICTION-FRAGMENT-LENGTH-POLYMORPHISM MAPPING IN CONIFERS AND APPLICATIONS TO FOREST GENETICS AND TREE IMPROVEMENT

It is now technically possible to construct high-density restriction fragment length polymorphism maps for almost any conifer. Hundreds of new genetic markers will become available for forest genetics research and tree-improvement applications. Having a large number of genetic markers will improve efficiency in studies in which isozymes or other markers have traditionally been applied (e.g., genetic variation in populations, paternity analysis, varietal identification, and seed-orchard efficiency). High-density restriction fragment length polymorphism maps may make it possible to (i) identify quantitative trait loci and (ii) practice marker-assisted selection in conifer breeding.