Pemanfaatan markah molekuler dalam proses seleksi pemuliaan tanaman

Abstract

Application of Marker-Assisted Selection in Crop Breed- ing. Muhammad Azrai. DNA-based technology has dramat- ically enhanced the efficiency of plant breeding, especially when selections are to be done under unfavourable condi- tions. Although significant strides have been made in crop improvement trough phenotypic selections for ergonomic- ally important traits, this often encounters considerable diffi- culties, particularly those posed by genotype x environment interactions. Besides testing procedure may be many times difficult, unreliable or expensive due to the nature of the target traits (e.g. abiotic and biotic stresses) or the target environment. The most widespread use of Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) to date is to assist backcrossing of major gene already proven elite cultivars. If individual genes or Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) significantly influencing spe- cific target traits can be identified based on their linkage to molecular markers, the efficiency of incorporating the desired traits in elite germplasm could be greatly enhanced. By combining QTL approach with backcrossing, useful genes that control quantitative traits have been identified in plant germplasm that are not for agriculture and have successfully been transferred to danced breeding lines. Indonesian molecular breeders should have a research program on DNA marker work that leads to application of useful selection tools and valuable germplasm. As molecular breeders adopt more rigorous experimental guidelines and ambitious goals, they also need to integrate the growing body of knowledge from genomics and bioinformatics.