Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) offer a reproducible,
multiplex DNA assay by which to
genotype mapping populations. We have evaluated physiological traits in
barley seedlings grown in an hydroponic
system and given a salt treatment. Multiple regression was used to show
associations between AFLPs and
quantitative traits. Effects at different loci were detected in stress
treatments in comparison to the control implying
that either novel gene action was induced by salt stress or that normal
activity was reduced to a low level where
alternate gene action is revealed. The QTLs occurred on all chromosomes
but
there appeared to be clusters of loci
on chromosomes 1 (7H), 4 (4H), 5 (1H) and 6 (6H). The significance of our
results is discussed in the context of
studies to explore the barley genome and the application of the results
of
these genetical analyses to barley breeding.