Linkage between quantitative trait loci and marker loci: Resolution power of three statistical approaches in single marker analysis

This paper presents a comparison of three methods of parameter estimation in analysis of linkage between a quantitative trait locus (QTL) and a marker locus: maximum likelihood, mean square for trait cumulative distribution function, and method of moments, employing simulated backcross data. The sensitivity of estimates to violation of assumptions of normality and equal variances was also studied. Some measures of discrepancy between the trait distributions in the QTL groups are considered to evaluate the potential dependence of the resolution capacity on the QTL substitution effect with respect to trait mean value and variance.