This application is used to compare genotypes through the mapping of large numbers of SNPs or other markers. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) is a rapid and cost-effective approach which uses a restriction enzyme digestion step to reduce genome complexity, so GBS can be applied to large genomes, and the end reads of the restriction fragments allow variants to be compared when no reference genome is available. Applications of genotyping by sequencing include:

• Tracking plant and animal genotypes in breeding programs and conservation projects
• Examining the diversity of natural populations
• Discovery of new genetic markers
• Screening variants prior to whole genome re-sequencing