INNOVATORS

• PCR-Based Molecular Breeding Marker Systems
• Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS)
• DNA Marker-Assisted Backcrossing (MAB)
• DNA Fingerprinting and Intellectual Rights Protection
• Custom DNA Marker Development (DMD)
• Hybrid and Trait-Purity Analysis
• Genetic Map Construction

Monsanto: This company strives to better the world by providing genetically modified agriculture to farmers around the world. Producing products such as weed killers for the common person, such as Round-Up, to providing crops with increased tolerance to herbicides and higher crop yield, Monsanto has changed the agriculture industry. However, due to public press, Monsanto has recently moved on to Marker Assisted Selection/Breeding. They are in the process of developing many new, Marker Assisted crops that need less water and fertilizer, can double yield rate, while still being herbicide and insecticide resistant. Monsanto pledges to “develop seeds that would double the yields of corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030 and would require 30 percent less water, land and energy to grow,” (Pollack). Currently, Monsanto uses around 46% of its funds in its Research & Development sector towards marker assisted breeding, using advanced technology such as automated marker analysis with machines. (Citation 22, 23, 24)

Why Marker Assisted Selection and why now?

As stated before, MAS is a relatively new biotechnology with great possibilities. Companies such as Monsanto, listed below, are using these possibilities to bring better, tastier crops to your home - and other homes! Unlike traditional breeding farmers employ to physically look for desired traits, MAS does it all - in the seedling stage. The result is a fast track technology transforming the agricultural sector, bringing ideal crops to the table.

SERVICES

(Picture Citation 50)

Syngenta: A seed and agrichemical company originating from Switzerland, Syngenta is another mover and shaker of the agricultural industry. This company produces herbicides, pesticides, seeds, and plants for farmers and companies. The seeds are genetically modified to have resistance to drought, pests, disease, and can grow faster with more yields. Syngenta has recently started to use Marker Assisted Selection, applying the technology to wheat breeding. Syngenta is focusing on wheat for MAS because although corn and soybeans are steadily rising in yield and quality, wheat has not. However, MAS is seen to be the solution to the crop’s problems. Syngenta also supports other fledgling companies who are applying MAS in their countries through the Syngenta Foundation grant. A few examples of companies Syngenta supports are Biosciences for eastern and central Africa (BecA), the Interactive Resource Center (IRC), and Helpdesk at Cornell's Institute for Genomic Diversity. (Citation 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)

As seen above, companies have already begun to offer MAS services to farmers and researchers. This shows the rapid progression in the applications of MAS as a whole. In addition, unlike GMO’s, there is no approval process for organisms that have been subjected to MAS. This is because all the genes come from the organism itself. Without a lengthy process, MAS becomes quicker and cheaper to use as time goes on. The current stance of MAS is that it is in testing, with the research and development phase approved and passed. (Citation 38)

Indiana Crop Improvement Association: Located in Lafayette, Indiana, the ICIA provides many services to the suppliers of plant products around the world. Specializing in “…field services, seed laboratory services, genetic identification capabilities, and targeted research activities”, ICIS provides the agricultural sector with the newest applications of Marker Assisted Breeding. Specifics include PCR and ELISA trait testing, along with GMO screening for agriculture products. (Citation 30, 31, 32)

Ag-Biotech Inc.: Founded in 1997, Ag-Biotech is a leader in the fields of biotechnology and plant genomics. Located in California, this company excels in applying MAS and other MAS-related technologies to help their clientele. According to Ag-Biotech, the company provides services such as PCR-Based Molecular Breeding Marker Systems, pure Marker Assisted Selection and Backcrossing, DNA Fingerprinting and Intellectual Rights Protection, Custom DNA Marker Development, Hybrid and Trait Purity Analysis, Genetic Map Construction, and other services available upon request. In addition to the plethora of services Ag-Biotech includes, they also have a page with all their currently discovered Crop Molecular Markers, available at http://www.agbiotech.net/list.html#. (Citation 35 36 37)

California Seed and Plant Labs: The CSP labs were founded in 1992 by Dr. Parm Randhawa to simply test vegetable seeds for health, and later expanded in 1998 to provide many other services relating the Marker Assisted Selection. These services, according to CSP labs are: seed health, plant health, virus eradication, resistance screen, hybrid purity, variety identification, GMO, germination, seed health, and more. (Citation 33 34)

As seen in the Areas in Need section of this site, Africa Rice Center, Kirkhouse Trust, and AVRDC are all also valuable innovators to marker assisted selection. Here are the direct links to their sites, just click the respective picture below!