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A large amount of research has gone toward creating maps tracking molecular markers for crops and the relations between a marker and the crop’s phenotype outcome. This work can be found at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/PLANTS/PlantList.html. However the effectiveness of MAS is widespread depending on the crop and the length of their cycles. For example, maize has been subjected to MAS quickly and effectively, compared to apples, whose marker maps are taking much longer to produce. (Citation 3)
One example of MAS in crops is found in rice. Scientists wanted to incorporate disease resistance into rice for protection against Bacterial blight, a disease that can wipe out 50% of a rice yield. To do this, the scientists used Marker Assisted Selection to find genes that showed some resistance to Bacterial Blight, and then integrated them into existing rice varieties. As of date, 19 resistant genes were found, although only some have been used. (Citation 39)
Following this experiment, one can see that in the future, many other genes can be found and mapped. Using these gene maps, scientists will be able to locate crops with different desired traits and crossbreed them, achieving a new crop with both traits.
APPLICATIONS: CROPS
Crops
Crops
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Video: Employing Marker Assisted Selection to prevent sorghum downey mildew in maize
Probably the most well-known area for Marker Assisted Selection, choosing desired traits such as disease resistance and increased production is a huge benefit to farmers.
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