CMDV - ADVANCEMENT IN MOLECULAR MARKERS

ADVANCEMENT IN MOLECULAR MARKERS FOR CROP IMPROVEMENT AND VARIETAL IDENTIFICATION

Norzihan Abdullah* & Shahril Ab Razak
Centre for Marker Discovery and Validation (CMDV),
Centre for Technical and Laboratory Services, MARDI Headquarter,
43400, Serdang, Selangor.
*Email : zihan@mardi.gov.my
The advancement in sequencing and genotyping technologies has enable extensive study in plant genomic research especially in the area of molecular marker. The availability of various types of molecular markers enable scientists and breeders to conduct their research depending on their objective and budget. Currently, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) have become the markers of choice owing to their advantages compared to other type of molecular markers. Exploitation of molecular marker polymorphism gives a significant impact in crop improvement and varietal identification. In Malaysia, Centre for Marker Discovery and Validation (CMDV) which was equipped with high-throughput genotyping platforms has been actively involved in molecular marker research. CMDV has successfully introgressed disease and pest resistant genes into Malaysian commercial cultivated rice varieties (MR219 and MR269) using marker assisted breeding (MAB) technology. This technology provides fast and high accuracy in plant selection compared to conventional breeding. CMDV has also developed a fingerprinting panel for Malaysian rice, pineapples, coconut, durian, papaya, other commercial and perennial crops which could be used for cultivar identification and authentication. With the availability of high-throughput genotyping technology at CMDV, it is hoped that, scientists and breeders will take this opportunity to enhance their breeding programme through MAB technology and subsequently increase their agriculture produces.

Posted by,
M Anem,
NSAM Members,
Hotel Sama-sama,
KLIS, Sepang,
Selangor, Malaysia.
(24 Auugust 2016)