G-MENDEL 3.0 SOFTWARE FOR GENETIC MAPPING: SPECIAL FUNCTIONS, CHANGES, ENHANCEMENTS, AND RELEASE OF AN EXECUTABLE FILE (GMENDEL_PC.EXE) FOR WINDOWS 95, 98, AND NT

Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3002 USA

The G-MENDEL 3.0 software for genetic analysis and mapping was originally developed for the UNIX operating system. We revised, enhanced, and recompiled the C source code for DOS operating systems. The new release (G-MENDEL 3.0 PC) operates under the DOS console of Windows 95, 98, and NT. The UNIX source code was enhanced, debugged, and re-released. We added mapping functions for advanced backcross progeny, specifically BC₂ and BC₃, and developed tutorials and documentation for MONTE, BOOT, and other analyses done by G-MENDEL. MONTE performs Monte Carlo analyses of locus orders. MONTE can be used to check the performance of the locus ordering algorithm (G-MENDEL uses a simulated annealing algorithm) and the validity of locus orders and is a powerful tool for tracking down problem loci. BOOT performs bootstrap analyses of locus orders. BOOT can be used to assess the statistical certainty of a locus order and doubles as a tool for tracking down problem loci or locus ordering errors. MONTE and BOOT output locus order ranks (Monte Carlo or bootstrap maps) and variances and locus rank histograms for assessing locus orders. The map drawing function produces postscript files that can be imported into and modified with graphic arts software (e.g., ADOBE Illustrator and CorelDraw).