Abstract

A large natural genetic variation is present among Arabidopsis accessions and is assumed to relate also to the adaptation of the different accessions to their natural growth environment. The identification of the allelic variation at the DNA level for the genes contributing to this trait variation, which is often controlled by several genes, is a major challenge. The feasibility to clone individual QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) by a combination of map based-cloning, in combination with mutant approaches, using near-isogenic introgression lines, has now been demonstrated for several traits. These include flowering time, seed dormancy, frost tolerance etc. QTL analysis has also been extended to metabolites, enzyme activities, proteomics and gene expression. This allowed the construction of molecular genetic networks based on the regulation by the same genes (QTL) and may assist the identification of the genes responsible for QTL variation. The use of this approach will be demonstrated on the elucidation of the genetic regulation of glucosinolates, flowering and primary metabolism.