Table 1.

Comparative costs of template preparation and PCR in RAF and AFLP. The two research applications given are the equivalent of (i) profiling 2,000 DNA markers on 48 individual DNA samples, and (ii) using bulk segregant analysis to map 20,000 DNA markers for linkage to a gene of interest (four DNA samples; two parents and two bulks). Estimated costs are in Australian dollars ($A). Labour costs were estimated at $20 per hour. Electrophoresis and detection costs are the same for both protocols, and these costs were not included.

Research application	DNA marker technology	Material costs per 20 gels ($A)		Labour costs per 20 gels ($A)		Combined costs ($A)
		Template preparation	PCR	Template preparation	PCR
(i) DNA profiling on individuals	RAF	0	340	0	200	540
	AFLP	270	420	110	200	1000
(ii) Bulk segregant analysis	RAF	0	340	0	200	540
	AFLP	22	420	10	200	652