Molecular markers: It’s application in crop improvement

Abstract

Over the past few decades, plant genomics research has been studied extensively bringing about a revolution in the field of plant biotechnology. Molecular markers, useful for plant genome analysis, have now become an important tool in crop improvement. The development and use of molecular markers for the detection and exploitation of DNA polymorphism is one of the most significant developments in the field of molecular genetics. The presence of various types of molecular markers, and differences in their principles, methodologies and applications require careful consideration in choosing one or more of such methods. No molecular markers are available yet that fulfill all requirements needed by researchers. In this article we attempt to review most of the available DNA markers that can be routinely employed in various aspects of plant genome analysis such as characterization of genetic variability, genome fingerprinting, genome mapping, gene localization, analysis of genome evolution, population genetics, taxonomy, plant breeding, and diagnostics. The emerging patterns make up a unique feature of the analyzed individual and are currently considered to be the ultimate tool for biological individualization.

Genetic diversity, population structure and linkage disequilibrium in Nordic spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. subsp. vulgare)

“…Several types of molecular markers such as amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), simple sequence repeats (SSR), diversity array technology (DArT), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) have been used to study genetic diversity and structure in crops (Kesawat and Das Kumar 2009). SSRs have the advantage to be abundant, highly polymorphic and multi-allelic, and therefore often provide more information compared to biallelic markers such as SNPs.…”

Genetic diversity and population structure of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.): synopsis of the past two decades of analysis and implications for crop improvement programmes

“…The need for a specific molecular 'tool box' for Bambara groundnut Molecular markers have appeared as a power tools to aid and speed up plant breeding (Collard et al 2005;Collard and Mackill 2008;Kesawat and Das 2009). The recent advances in the next generation sequencing platforms have further strengthened our understanding of the genetics of important phenotypic traits both in the context of forward and in reverse genetics (Alonso and Ecker 2006;Rosenberg et al 2010).…”

ISSR Fingerprinting to Ascertain the Genetic Relationship of <i>Curcuma sp.</i> of Tripura

“…To study the evolutionary history of a species knowledge of genetic variation is a prerequisite and it is essential to characterize the plants genetically in order to have a sustainable conservation programme [12]. DNA based molecular markers show differences in nucleotide sequence of DNA and are now used as powerful tools in the field of Plant breeding, Taxonomy, Physiology and Genetic engineering [13]. ISSR markers are technically simpler than other markers.…”