  Although various forms of linkage map construction software are widely
available, there is a distinct lack of packages for use in the R statistical
computing environment. This article introduces the ASMap linkage map
construction R package which contains functions that use the efficient MSTmap
algorithm for clustering and optimally ordering large sets of markers.
Additional to the construction functions, the package also contains a suite of
tools to assist in the rapid diagnosis and repair of a constructed linkage map.
The package functions can also be used for post linkage map construction
techniques such as fine mapping or combining maps of the same population. To
showcase the efficiency and functionality of ASMap, the complete linkage map
construction process is demonstrated with a high density barley backcross
marker data set.
