On the precision of estimation of genetic distance

This article gives a formal proof of a formula for the precision of estimated genetic distances proposed by Barker et al. which can be used in designing experimental sampling programmes. The derivation is given in the general multiallelic case using the Sanghvi distance. Two sources of sampling are considered, i.e. i) among individuals (or gametes) within locus and ii) among loci within populations. Distribution assumptions about gene frequencies are discussed, especially the normal used in Barker et al. versus the Dirichlet via simulation. (C) Inra/Elsevier, Paris.