Problems in linkage mapping in barley . Ever since the Barley Genetics Newsletter was initiated, I have been preparing linkage maps of barley each year. Only genes associated with a chromosome arm were mapped and others were listed as associated with chromosomes. Some genes associated with a chromosome arm have not been located in the map because of lack of sufficient information. Some researchers have criticized my way of presenting linkage maps in the Barley Genetics Newsletter.
Linkage mapping is a complicated matter with various different approaches.
Apparently she does not understand various aspects of linkage mapping. Before the centromeres were located in maps, development of linkage maps was based on the results of conventional genetic analysis and translocation analysis by placing the most distal gene in the short arm as the 0 point. However, once the centromere is located, the mapping procedure should be changed to improve the map, although conventional way of mapping should also be continued. As the overall coordinator for genetic and linkage studies in barley, the major contributor for developing cytogenetic linkage maps, and sole contributor for locating centromere position in genetic linkage maps, the present author believes that the linkage maps published in Barley Gentics Newsletter are meaningful. When the centromeres are located in the maps, it is difficult to locate many genes which have no genetic information in relation to the centromere.