Abstract

Genomics provides insight into the genetic basis for traits of interest in plants. Molecular (i.e., DNA) markers have been used for the genetic improvement of crop species. Several molecular marker systems have been developed, of which microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) has become the marker class of choice because of its many advantages over other marker systems. A comprehensive molecular marker system has been developed for tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] and used for the construction of genetic linkage maps, genetic diversity analysis, and marker-assisted breeding. Use of genomic knowledge and molecular markers is expected to contribute greatly to the development of improved tall fescue cultivars in the coming decades.

Keywords: genome, molecular marker, gene sequence, comparative genomics, polymorphism, genetic linkage map, quantitative trait loci.

Abbreviations: A, adenine; AFLP, amplified fragment length polymorphism; C, cytosine; cDNA, complementary DNA; cM, centimorgan; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; EST, expressed sequence tag sequences; Festuca Gene Index; G, guanine; ITS, internal transcribed spacer region; IVDMD, in vitro dry matter digestibility; LG, linkage group; mRNA, messenger RNA; NCBI, National Center for Bioinformatics; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; PP, primer pair; QTL, quantitative trait loci; RAPD, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA; rDNA, ribosomal DNA; RFLP, restriction fragment length polymorphism; SSR, simple sequence repeat (microsatellite); T, thymine; TIGR, The Institute for Genetic Resources.

 

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Table of Contents

Tall Fescue Monograph

See Related Information In:

Chapter 2: Conclusions

Chapter 19: The Past, Present, and Future of Tall Fescue Breeding

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