Breeding Outcomes from Molecular Genetics

Abstract

Molecular mapping, QTL analysis and marker assisted selection have been widely utilised in cereal breeding programs for the past 10 years, however there are few published examples of commercial varieties developed from these approaches. The current paper outlines successful examples from the University of Adelaide Barley Program, including outcomes from initial efforts in shifting allele frequencies in early generation populations and rapid backcrossing, through to whole genome based selection strategies. Progress from more recent applications of molecular genetics to mainstream barley breeding will also be presented including; i. Advanced backcross (AB-QTL) populations for simultaneous QTL identification and introgression ii. Genetic conversion of feed varieties to malting quality iii. Identification of the genomic regions responding to the selection pressure applied during standard yield, agronomic and quality evaluation