Genomics and molecular breeding for crop plant improvement

Recent advances in genetic and genomic analysis of crop plants have opened up the way for deployment of marker and genomics technology in modem crop plant improvement programmes. Despite these advances we are still at an early stage in the effective use of modem technologies in plant breeding. Molecular breeding is still very much a theoretical term but examples of successful, practical outcomes using marker-assisted selection are increasing in number each year. Despite innovations such as improved marker systems, denser genetic maps and improved trait and marker mapping tools and strategies, most marker associations are not sufficiently robust for successful marker-assisted selection. This is largely due to inadequate experimental design. Molecular breeders must re-orientate their research programs so that DNA marker work leads to useful selection tools and enhanced germplasm. As more rigorous experimental guidelines and ambitious goals are adopted, the growing body of knowledge from genomics and bioinformatics can be integrated into crop improvement programmes. The deployment of transgenes, especially from crop relatives for alleviation of biotic stresses, remains an exciting possibility.