DNA markers are tools used to help breed new plant varieties through a process called marker-assisted selection (MAS). Among these markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are now the most popular choice for scientists and breeders. SNPs are favored because they are found everywhere in a plant's DNA, they show both parents' contributions, can be linked to specific locations in the DNA, are easy and cheap to work with, and can be processed quickly in large numbers.
Having a map of a plant's entire DNA sequence helps scientists find specific genes and SNPs that are linked to desirable traits, like how well a plant grows or its resistance to diseases. This process involves mapping traits to certain areas of the DNA (quantitative trait loci, or QTL mapping) and looking at the whole DNA to find associations with traits (genome-wide association studies, GWAS). SNPs discovered through these methods can then be used to select for these traits in breeding programs.
The review also talks about a specific type of marker called cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers. These markers help in identifying variations in the DNA by focusing on specific areas around the DNA that can be cut by enzymes. The article discusses recent progress in creating and using CAPS markers in the breeding of fruit and vegetable plants. New technologies have made it easier and faster to design these markers from comprehensive DNA data (whole genome resequencing, WGRS). CAPS markers are very useful in various stages of plant breeding, including checking the genetic diversity of plants, conducting field tests, mapping genes on the DNA, identifying important genes, and selecting for traits like disease resistance, fruit quality, and the overall look of the fruit, as well as ensuring the genetic consistency of the plants.
Kulkarni, K.P.; Appiah, R.K.; Reddy, U.K.; Melmaiee, K. Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence Markers in Horticultural Crops: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Agronomy 2024, 14, 2598. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112598
Source: MDPI