Use of genetic markers in breeding of perennial legumes

Abstract

Breeding of perennial legumes for many agronomic important traits like grain yield, persistence, longevity, resistance to diseases and pests, resistance to limiting abiotic conditions and polyploidy is more efficient and precise if genetic markers are used. Estimates based on isozyme polymorphism may underestimate overall levels of genetic variation because they are sampling only coding regions of DNA that may be conserved to maintain the function of the enzymes. The complete coverage of a genome can be achieved only by the use of molecular variability indicators (DNA polymorphism), i.e. molecular markers. Molecular markers are independent of environmental influences and can be detected in all plant development stages. The main aspects of genetic markers use in perennial legumes breeding are: germplasm characterisation, genetic linkage mapping, QTL analysis, marker assisted selection (MAS), variety identification and protection of plant breeders' rights.

Keywords

• breeding
• genetic markers
• perennial legumes