A cautiously optimistic vision for marker-assisted breeding

Even though marker-assisted selection now plays a prominent role in the fie ld of plant breeding, examples of successful, practical outcomes are rare. It is clear that DNA markers hold great promise, but realizing that promise remains elusive. Despite innovations like better marker systems and improv ed genetic mapping strategies, most marker associations are not sufficientl y robust for successful marker-assisted selection. In large part this is du e to inadequate experimental design. Molecular breeders must reassess their research programs so that DNA marker work leads to useful selection tools and valuable germplasm. As molecular breeders adopt more rigorous experimen tal guidelines and ambitious goals, they also need to integrate the growing body of knowledge from genomics and bioinformatics.