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21st century wheat breeding: plot selection or plate detection?
Robert M D Koebner1, Richard W Summers
1John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich, UK NR4 7UH. robert.koebner@bbsrc.ac.uk
Trends in Biotechnology
|February 8, 2003
Summary
Marker-assisted selection (MAS) in wheat breeding is limited by cost and throughput. Advances in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technology could revolutionize breeding, but assay prices must decrease for widespread adoption.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
- Plant Breeding
Background:
- Marker-assisted selection (MAS) has technically advanced, allowing gene tagging with microsatellite assays.
- Current application of MAS in wheat breeding programs remains limited.
- Microsatellite assay feasibility is increasing, impacting large breeding programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the limited application of MAS in wheat breeding.
- To contrast current MAS capabilities with future potential.
- To explore the impact of genomics on conventional breeding paradigms.
Main Methods:
- Review of publicly reported marker-assisted selection applications.
- Analysis of the technical feasibility of gene tagging with microsatellite assays.
- Exploration of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technology's potential impact.
Main Results:
- MAS application in wheat breeding is currently limited.
- Microsatellite assays are increasingly feasible for gene tagging.
- SNP technology maturation is key for large-scale genotyping throughput.
- Assay price reduction is critical for broader MAS adoption.
Conclusions:
- Widespread adoption of MAS in wheat breeding requires significant assay price reduction.
- SNP technology promises a more profound change in breeding strategy than current MAS.
- The genomics revolution necessitates adaptation of conventional breeding paradigms.