Some ways to improve QTL mapping accuracy

In this paper, we review some approaches for QTL mapping developed by our research group in collaboration with, following the recommendation of, or under inspiration of Moshe Soller. Specifically, we explain at a simple intuitive level the main principles and ideas of: (a) QTL mapping by fractioned DNA pooling, (b) increasing the detection power of QTL mapping (in the case of individual genotyping) by multiple-trait analysis, and (c) the role of variance-covariance effects in QTL mapping. On each of these themes we had long and deep discussions with Soller on the statistical aspects of the proposed procedures. We hope that together we made important contributions towards making QTL mapping procedures easier and more effective.