OptiMAS: A decision support tool to conduct marker-assisted selection programs

Abstract

Ongoing major advances in plant genotyping and phenotyping lead to a better understanding of genetic architecture of agronomical traits. In this context, it is important to develop decision support tools to help breeders in implementing marker-assisted selection (MAS) projects to assemble new allele combinations. Algorithms have been developed within an interactive graphical interface to (a) trace parental QTL alleles throughout selection generations, (b) propose strategies to select the best plants based on estimated molecular scores, and (c) efficiently intermate them depending on the expected value of their progenies. By investigating multi-allelic context and diverse pedigree structure, OptiMAS enables to assemble favorable alleles issued from diverse parents and further accelerate genetic gain.