GBS of Melaleuca alternifolia chemotypes

Genotyping-by-sequencing was carried out for a diverse set of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) individuals. Together with phenotyping data, the GBS information was used for a genome-wide association study investigating the genetic basis of chemotypes in tea tree. Six tea tree chemotypes have been characterised based on the categorical terpenoid composition of the species' essential oils, but only one chemotype is used for the production of commercial tea tree oil. Understanding how chemotypes are determined on a genetic level will help to elucidate why multiple terpenoid compounds fluctuate in a concerted manner, leading to phenotypes of adaptive and economic significance in tea tree and other essential oil producing plants.