Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Scalable Transfection of Maize Mesophyll Protoplasts
Published on: June 23, 2023
Whole-genome versus per-chromosome targeted recombination: Simulations and predicted gains in maize with an integer
John N Cameron1, Rex Bernardo2
1Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA.
Whole-genome targeted recombination, using an integer programming model, increases predicted genetic gains in maize (Zea mays L.) more than per-chromosome methods. This approach optimizes recombination placement for enhanced breeding outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Plant breeding and genetics
- Quantitative genetics
- Bioinformatics and computational biology
Background:
- Per-chromosome targeted recombination aims to double genetic gains in biparental populations by focusing on specific marker intervals.
- Previous studies on targeted recombination's effectiveness may have overestimated gains due to methodological assumptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an integer programming model for optimizing whole-genome targeted recombination placement.
- To compare whole-genome versus per-chromosome targeted recombination strategies in maize (Zea mays L.) for predicted genetic gains.
Main Methods:
- Developed an integer programming model to determine optimal recombination locations across the entire genome.
- Compared whole-genome and per-chromosome targeted recombination strategies using 392 biparental maize populations and simulation experiments.
- Assessed predicted gains for yield, moisture, test weight, and a simulated trait controlled by 2000 quantitative trait loci (QTL).
Main Results:
- Whole-genome targeted recombination yielded 8%-9% greater predicted genetic gains than per-chromosome methods for 10 targeted recombinations.
- Recombination frequency in whole-genome strategy correlated with chromosome size (r = 0.76-0.91).
- Simulations indicated overestimation of gains by ~20% compared to non-targeted recombination and a 25%-33% reduction in response when using marker effects as QTL proxies.
Conclusions:
- The developed integer programming model effectively increases predicted and true genetic gains from targeted recombination.
- Predicted gains from targeted recombination may overestimate actual gains, particularly when using genomewide marker effects as proxies for unknown QTL.
- Optimizing recombination distribution across the whole genome is crucial for maximizing breeding efficiency in maize.
More Related Videos
09:32An Array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization Platform for Efficient Detection of Copy Number Variations in Fast Neutron-induced Medicago truncatula Mutants
Published on: November 8, 2017
08:36Development of Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes TILLING Populations in Small Grain Crops by Ethyl Methanesulfonate Mutagenesis
Published on: July 16, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...
Gene Conversion
Homologous Recombination
Crossing Over
Overview of Transposition and Recombination