Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for annual height- and diameter-increment growth were estimated in each of two three-generation
loblolly pine pedigrees. Annual height-increment was measured in three consecutive years in the
BASE pedigree and in four consecutive years in the
QTL pedigree. Annual diameter-increment was measured only in the
QTL pedigree for two consecutive years. An interval mapping-approach was used to estimate the number of QTLs, the magnitude of
QTL effects, and their position on genetic linkage maps. Thirteen different height-increment and eight different diameter-increment
QTLs were detected, suggesting that the these traits are, at least in part, controlled by a few genes of large effect. Little
evidence was found for the expression of individual QTLs in multiple years or in multiple genetic backgrounds. These results
were discussed in terms of the power of the experiment and their consequences for marker-assisted breeding.
Key words Quantitative trait locus mapping - Pinus taeda L. - Height- and diameter-increment
Received: 12 July 1998/Accepted: 5 August 1998