GENETIC DIAGNOSTICS IN PLANT-BREEDING - RAPDS, MICROSATELLITES AND MACHINES

The science of mapping genetic traits, including those of agronomic in terest, is well established and many genetic marker systems are availa ble. However, the application of genetic diagnostics in plant breeding is in its infancy. The sample throughput and cost requirements are ve ry different from those of medical DNA diagnostics. It will be necessa ry to automate the DNA isolation process, DNA amplification-based alle le identification and data handling. Here, we discuss recent progress in the development of molecular technology for plant breeding.