stratag: An r package for manipulating, summarizing and analysing population genetic data

Area of Science:

• Population Genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Standard genetic analyses often require multiple software tools.
• Manipulating stratified genetic data can be complex and time-consuming.
• Integrating diverse population genetics programs is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the R package stratag as a comprehensive population genetics toolkit.
• Provide user-friendly access to standard genetic summaries and data manipulation.
• Facilitate custom analyses of stratified genetic data.

Main Methods:

• Developed the R package stratag with functions for genetic summaries.
• Implemented single-function tests for common population subdivision measures (F_ST, G_ST, Φ_ST, Χ²).
• Created wrapper functions for seamless integration with external programs (genepop, structure, fastsimcoal) and R packages (adegenet, pegas).

Main Results:

• stratag offers easy access to a suite of standard genetic summaries.
• The package enables rapid manipulation of stratified genetic data for custom analyses.
• Tests for population subdivision are efficiently conducted within a single function.

Conclusions:

• stratag serves as a user-friendly, integrated toolkit for population genetics research.
• The package streamlines complex analyses and enhances interoperability between genetic software.
• stratag is designed as an open-source, dynamic package adaptable to future user needs.