QTLNetwork: mapping and visualizing genetic architecture of complex traits in experimental populations.

Abstract

QTLNetwork is a software package for mapping and visualizing the genetic architecture underlying complex traits for experimental populations derived from a cross between two inbred lines. It can simultaneously map quantitative trait loci (QTL) with individual effects, epistasis and QTL-environment interaction. Currently, it is able to handle data from F(2), backcross, recombinant inbred lines and double-haploid populations, as well as populations from specific mating designs (immortalized F(2) and BC(n)F(n) populations). The Windows version of QTLNetwork was developed with a graphical user interface. Alternatively, the command-line versions have the facility to be run in other prevalent operating systems, such as Linux, Unix and MacOS.