Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #117930

Title: MARKER-ASSISTED SELECTION

Author
item KELLY, J - MICHIGAN ST UNIV
item Miklas, Phillip - Phil

Submitted to: Common Bean Improvement in the Twenty First Century
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: KELLY, J.D., MIKLAS, P.N. MARKER-ASSISTED SELECTION. COMMON BEAN IMPROVEMENT IN THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY, BOOK, LST ED., P. 93-123. 1999.

Interpretive Summary: This book chapter provides an in depth look at marker-assisted selection in common bean. Recent work involving the development and use of genetic markers in breeding for disease resistance in common bean is reviewed. The complexities of identifying useful markers for disease resistance is outlined, and helpful hints for overcoming common and not so common obstacles are given. Strategies for implementing molecular markers in a breeding program are developed. The benefits of using molecular markers in combination with traditional breeding methods will be the rapid development of multi-disease resistant beans. The duration of effective resistance will last longer because of the increased capability to combine genes that govern resistance to a single pathogen. This compilation of new, recent, and novel ideas about the identification and use of disease resistance markers will be helpful to plant breeders and geneticists alike who are interested in using these or similar tools in their programs.

Technical Abstract: With the identification of over 30 RAPD markers linked to 17 different resistance genes in P. vulgaris, the feasibility and potential for MAS in disease resistance breeding in common bean is clearly possible. As additional markers are detected for other genes, the value of the technology will increase since MAS for more than one trait can be practiced din breeding populations. The value of MAS of quantitative traits will become more important and useful as phenotypic data and the technology for the detection of QTL improves. The direct incorporation of single gene resistance to the prevalent races of a pathogen within a particular area is currently the breeding method of choice, but this resistance is often short-lived, forcing breeders to continuously incorporate new resistance genes into their programs. Combining different genes with resistance to the prevalent races, although more difficult and expensive to achieve initially, should provide a more durable resistance for long term protection. Genetic markers will likely be used in the development of future bean cultivars possessing durable disease resistance.