Application of DNA Molecular Markers in Plant Breeding (Review article)

Plant breeding has utilized a wide range of techniques and methods to improve the quality and quantity of plants. The molecular markers are the tools that have provided a new perspective for plant breeding advancements. This article has reviewed the various advantages and uses of molecular markers and the utilization of the high potential of natural polymorphisms within communities, combined with the abilities of conventional plant breeding methods. The marker attributes are not subjected to environmental influences, and their high frequency number and high structural diversity are as part of their benefits in identifying identities, determining the genetic diversity of species and studying relationship between populations. They may aid in discovering more information about protecting and maintaining genetic stock collections, identifying varieties, determining genes with chromosomal location and the number of genes controlling traits. Genome sequencing, the preparation of physical and genetic maps and genomic fingerprinting of plants are some of the other applications of this tool in plant breeding. The high efficiency of selection with the help of markers in selection of genotypes has been emphasized as the parent of crosses and selection with the help of a marker in breeding programs and genomic selection. New technologies offer new opportunities to shape genetic variation in the improvement of specific plant breeding programs. Nowadays, development of next-generation sequencing technology, genome sequencing and high throughput approaches for markers have facilitated EST-derived simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) marker development as well as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker. These markers can be successfully employed in accelerating research and plant breeding programs.