Plant & Animal Genome VI Conference Plant & Animal Genome VI Conference
P342
The generation of genome maps will prove to be important tools in the management of broodstocks used in the aquaculture industry. This is particularly important with respect to the ultimate identification of QTLs. Studies of co-segregation of markers with a specific phenotypic trait (disease resistance, growth rate etc.) can identify the chromosomal areas (and the gene itself) affecting the trait of interest. When a trait has been mapped Marker Assisted Selection can be used to increase the efficiency of breeding programs. For breeding purposes these markers can also be used to avoid inbreeding or for eliminating unwanted traits without loosing valuable traits that may be closely linked. The genetic markers will also be very useful in population genetic studies thus improving the quality of the management of wild stocks.
A collaboration with the title: Generation of highly informative DNA markers and genetic marker maps of salmonid fishes (SALMAP), funded by the European Commissions FAIR program (Agriculture and Fisheries), has been established aiming at constructing genetic maps of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta). The project is running from 1997-1999 and involves five European countries and Canada. The final objective is a low resolution map defined by microsatellite loci.
Microsatellite PCR-assays are developed in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. All the microsatellite markers will be tested in all three species with the aim of identifying microsatellite markers that show cross-species amplifications. The goal will be to produce maps of the three species containing 2-300 marker-loci in all three species.