Publications by authors named "Robert Brunick"
Genetic linkage maps have the potential to facilitate the genetic dissection of complex traits and comparative analyses of genome structure, as well as molecular breeding efforts in species of agronomic importance. Until recently, the majority of such maps was based on relatively low-throughput marker technologies, which limited marker density across the genome. The availability of high-throughput genotyping technologies has, however, made possible the efficient development of high-density genetic maps.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe discovery of unbranched, monocephalic natural variants was pivotal for the domestication of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The branching locus (B), one of several loci apparently targeted by aboriginal selection for monocephaly, pleiotropically affects plant, seed and capitula morphology and, when segregating, confounds the discovery of favorable alleles for seed yield and other traits.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study explores how hybridization between crop and wild sunflowers affects the fitness of specific cultivar alleles, influenced by environmental factors such as herbivory.
- Phenotypic analysis indicates that while larger size traits are generally favored, flowering times are advantageous only under certain herbivory conditions.
- QTL mapping reveals that some cultivar alleles can be beneficial for certain traits, but increased herbivory damage from these alleles shows that their advantages may be diminished in natural environments.