marker-assisted selection in wheat - ictsd

30Marker-assisted selection – Current status and future perspectives in crops, livestock, forestry and fishSummaryA number of molecular marker technologies exist, each with different advantages and disadvantages.When available, genome sequence allows for the development of greater numbersand higher quality molecular markers. When genome sequence is limited in the organism ofinterest, related species may serve as sources of molecular markers. Some molecular markertechnologies combine the discovery and assay of DNA sequence variations, and thereforecan be used in species without the need for prior sequence information and up-frontinvestment in marker development. As a prerequisite for marker-assisted selection (MAS),there must be a known association between genetic markers and genes affecting the phenotypeto be modified. Comparative databases can facilitate the transfer of knowledge ofgenetic marker-phenotype association across species so that discoveries in one species maybe applied to many others. Further genomics research and reductions in the costs associatedwith molecular markers will continue to provide new opportunities to employ MAS.