Working Group "Genome Analysis and Application of Markers"

The focus of the working group was on the genetic analysis of agronomically important traits in rapeseed and faba bean. As a prerequisite for this, molecular markers and genetic maps were developed. Furthermore, linkage disequilibrium was analysed in adequate populations and the synteny between rapeseed and Arabidopsis as well as between faba bean, barrel medick and chickpea, respectively, was studied. On this basis, QTL (quantitative trait loci) for important yield related and quality traits were mapped and phenotypically characterized by interval and association mapping or in sets of intervarietal substitution lines. In addition, the genetic architecture of traits was also studied by analysing allelic diversity in relevant candidate genes by comparative sequencing followed by testing the observed allelic contrasts for possible phenotypic effects on the respective traits.


Current research topic:

  • Molecular and quantitative genetic analysis of seed size in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)(Wolfgang Ecke in cooperation with Wolfgang Link)



    Recently concluded research topics are:
  • Genetics of microspore embryogenesis and doubled haploid development in rapeseed. Continuation of project. (Wolfgang Ecke und Munem Khan)
  • Genetics of microspore embryogenesis and doubled haploid development in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) (Makis Kampuridis)
    • Identification of new alleles in candidate genes for seed oil content in exotic genotypes of rapeseed and analysis of their effects on oil content (Daniela Zeltner)
    • Evaluation of whole genome association analysis for QTL mapping in rapeseed in a collection of varieties and breeding lines
    • Meta-analysis of oil content in rapeseed
    • Development of intervarietal substitution lines in rapeseed and their utilization for mapping and characterizing QTL for agronomically important traits (Nurhassana)



    The working group was established in 1990 and research was conducted until 2022. Selected activities and teaching is ongoing.
    Since 1990, the following PhD theses were completed in the working group:

    • Anthimos Kampouridis (2015) Genetics of microspore embryogenesis and doubled haploid development in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Cumulative Dissertation
    • D. Weis (2014) Genotypic and phenotypic analysis of the allelic diversity in candidate genes for oil content in exotic plant material of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). http://ediss.uni-goettingen.de/handle/11858/00-1735-0000-0023-9943-6
    • Nurhasanah (2010) QTL mapping using intervarietal substitution lines in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen
    • B. Kebede (2007) Development of intervarietal substitution lines in Brassica napus L. using marker assisted selection and mapping of QTL for agronomically important traits. http://webdoc.sub.gwdg.de/diss/2007/kebede/kebede.pdf
    • M. Radoev (2007) Genetic Analysis of Heterosis in Rapeseed (B. napus L.) by QTL Mapping. http://webdoc.sub.gwdg.de/diss/2007/radoev/radoev.pdf
    • R. Marschalek (2003) Marker assisted selection for the development of intervarietal substitution lines in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and the estimation of QTL effects for glucosinolate content. Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen
    • M. Kemal Gül (2002) QTL-Kartierung und Analyse von QTL x Stickstoff Interaktionen beim Winterraps (Brassica napus L.). Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen. QTL mapping and analysis of QTL x nitrogen interactions in winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
    • Barbara Rudolph (2002) Entwicklung, Charakterisierung und genetische Kartierung von Mikrosatelliten-Markern für Raps (Brassica napus L.). Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen. Development, characterization, and genetic mapping of microsatellite markers for rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
    • Jianyi Zhao (2002) QTLs for oil content and their relationships to other traits in an European x Chinese oilseed rape population
    • K. Weißleder (1996) Genetische Kartierung von Loci für züchterisch bedeutsame Merkmale beim Winterraps (Brassica napus L.). Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen. Genetic mapping of loci for agronomically important traits of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
    • C. Knaak (1996) Schätzung genetischer Distanzen mittels RFLP zur Identifikation von Genpools für die Hybridzüchtung bei Winterraps. Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen. Estimation of genetic distances by RFLP for the identification of gene pools for hybrid breeding in winter rapeseed
    • Milena Uzunova (1994) Erstellung einer RFLP-Karte von Raps (Brassica napus L.) und Kartierung erster züchterisch wichtiger Gene. Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen. Development of an RFLP map of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and the first mapping of agronomically important genes