Genotyping Array delivers automated analysis

Affymetrix, Inc announces the launch of Axiom Strawberry Genotyping Array (also called International Strawberry 90K SNP array or IStraw90), the only solution that successfully enables high-resolution genotyping and fully automated data analysis of the octoploid strawberry genome. This 90,000 SNP array will enable complex trait research and set the stage for multi-trait, marker-assisted breeding of the cultivated garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa).

The cultivated garden strawberry is an allo-octoploid with a chromosome number of 2n=8x=56. While there are other genotyping technologies available to scan genomes of agricultural species at high resolution, most have been designed for diploids. With Affymetrix’ advanced bioinformatics and innovative design strategy, Axiom Genotyping Solution provides genome-wide genotyping and accurately calls the genotypes of both diploid and polyploid species. This technology has already been successfully applied to complex genomes such as maize, rose, wheat, trout, and salmon.

Axiom Strawberry Genotyping Array was designed through a public-private partnership between Affymetrix and the International RosBREED SNP Consortium (IRSC), an arm of the ‘RosBREED’ project dedicated to the genetic improvement of rosaceous crops. The RosBREED team including Genotyping Team Leader Nahla Bassil (USDA-ARS, Corvallis), Demonstration Breeder Tom Davis (University of New Hampshire geneticist), and Pedigree-Based Analysis Team Leader Eric van de Weg (Wageningen University & Research Center) partnered with the Affymetrix array design and bioinformatics teams to devise SNP selection and data analysis strategies

Axiom Strawberry Genotyping Array will complement the catalogue of Axiom Agrigenomics Genotyping Arrays that are available for multiple species, including bovine, chicken, and buffalo. These products have been used for genome-wide association studies, quantitative trait locus mapping, genome mapping, and breeding activities that make use of marker-assisted selection and genomic selection. As scientists make progress in decoding genomes of various plants, animals, and fish using next-generation sequencing platforms, they can advance their research and commercial objectives by translating those discoveries to routine applications on the Axiom Genotyping platform.