Abstract

Molecular markers are an important tool for plant breeding. Since the 1980s, in response to the technology development, molecular marker approaches have been further diversified. The establishment of new-generation sequencing and high-throughput plant phenotyping has greatly decreased the time to genotype large numbers of individuals. For breeders who are not very familiar with molecular techniques and want to catch up with the advances in the field, this review offers basic knowledge. Each molecular marker technology has specific advantages as well as limitations. Molecular marker types, diversity studies, QTL mapping, associative mapping, marker-assisted backcrossing and genomic selection are explored. Marker application in plant breeding is also described. In the genome, molecular markers can detect the genetic architecture of a trait, but also identify candidate genes with an important role in plant breeding programs.

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