Marker-based pedigrees and graphical genotypes generated by supergene software

Merging pedigree analysis with the use of genetic markers is likely to have a major impact on the characterization and development of crop varieties. Here, we present a computerized method for drawing pedigrees in terms of color graphical genotypes. The software transforms numerical marker data into map-based images representing linkage groups. Different alleles as well as heterozygotes are represented at each marker locus via colors or patterns. Numerical data records (up to 200 markers and 335 individuals) are stored in a spreadsheet-like table, which consists of the cultivar name, the name of the cultivar's parents, and the score at each marker locus and corresponding map location. The software does not actually calculate linkage maps, which must be generated prior to use as a basis for constructing graphical representations. The software can draw a pedigree for a single linkage group or the entire genome, as well as a graphical representation of the same linkage group of selected individuals. The software, which is free upon request, runs on any Macintosh or Power PC computer with at least four megabytes of random access memory.