Applications of tagging and mapping insect resistance loci in plants

This review examines how molecular markers can be used to increase our unde rstanding of the mechanisms of plant resistance to insects and develop inse ct resistant crops. We provide a brief description of the types of molecula r markers currently being employed, and describe how they can be applied to identify and track genes of interest in a marker-assisted breeding program . A summary of the work reported in this field of study, with examples in w hich molecular markers have been applied to increase understanding of the m echanistic and biochemical bases of resistance in potato and maize plant/pe st systems, is provided. We also describe how molecular markers can be appl ied to develop more durable insect-resistant crops. Finally, we identify ke y areas in molecular genetics that we believe will provide exciting and pro ductive research opportunities for those working to develop insect-resistan t crops.