MAXIMUM-LIKELIHOOD-ESTIMATION OF QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI PARAMETERS WITH THE AID OF GENETIC-MARKERS USING A STANDARD STATISTICAL PACKAGE

Consistent parameter estimates of quantitative trait loci linked to ge netic markers can be derived by maximum likelihood methodology. For ma ny experimental designs of interest, parameter estimates and their sta ndard errors can be obtained by program LE of BMDP, which uses the New ton-Raphson method of iteration. Program LE was tested on data simulat ed for a backcross between two inbred lines. A single quantitative tra it locus linked to either one or two genetic markers was simulated. Co nvergence was rapid, and computing and programming time were insignifi cant. All parameter estimates were within the expected bounds. Many di fferent designs can be readily analyzed.