Description
"Advances in Molecular Breeding and Marker-Assisted Selection" explores the transformative impact of molecular markers in plant breeding. The book details the integration of molecular tools into traditional breeding methods, creating the discipline of "molecular breeding" or "marker-assisted breeding." It covers the historical development of markers, starting from early morphological markers to the more advanced molecular markers, such as SSRs and SNPs, which have revolutionized the ability to identify and select for desirable traits. The book further delves into marker-assisted selection (MAS), marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC), and recurrent selection schemes (MARS), emphasizing how these technologies have led to the development of "super organics" or improved crop varieties. Additionally, it introduces the concept of functional markers and their application in linking genotype with phenotype, providing readers with comprehensive knowledge of genetic marker systems and their role in modern plant breeding.