QTL validation

Before being used for MAB, a QTL needs to be validated (confirmed) to rule out the possibility of statistical anomalies or errors. The validation process tests whether the same QTL appears when the material is grown in other locations and/or years, and whether its effect can still be detected when introduced into a series of different genetic backgrounds.

A clear and thorough example of this can be seen in Landi et al. 2005.