ABSTRACT
The analysis of genomic variation is an essential part of plant genetics and crop improvement programs. DNA polymorphisms can be directly related to phenotype differences, be genetically linked to its causative factor, or indicate relationships between individuals in populations [1]. Over the last 30 years, the use of genotyping has enabled the characterization and mapping of genes and metabolic pathways in plants as well as the study of species diversity and evolution, marker-assisted selection (MAS), germplasm characterization and seed purity. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) have emerged as the most widely used genotyping markers due to their abundance in the genome and the relative ease in determining their frequency in a cost-effective and parallel manner in a given panel of individuals.
