Mapping in Sorghum Using Genotyping-By-Sequencing

Genotyping-by-sequencing using next-generation sequencing technologies (Illumina, 454 and others) is important for high-throughput genotyping of thousands of SNP’s in hundreds of individuals. Our method utilizes multiple restriction enzymes, combined in pairs, to reduce genome complexity and up to 384 unique barcoded adapters to multiplex individuals onto Illumina Hiseq 2000 lanes. This method has been successful in generating over 53,000 SNP’s per population for use in multiple linkage and association mapping studies. To date, we have mapped several QTL across a variety of traits (plant height, maturity, biomass accumulation, lodging, leaf length and width, growth rate, moisture content, stalk circumference, sugar content, juice volume and nitrogen stress) with significant resolution to begin investigating candidate genes. Several candidate genes for sugar production, plant height, and maturity variation could be exploited to improve sorghum and related grasses for biofuel uses.