* Selection due to domestication led to many new species. However, there is reduced genetic
variation among these species. This reduced variation makes organisms, in this
case plants, more susceptible to disease and other harmful things. In addition, reduced
variation leads to a slower rate of crop improvement by breeders.
* Are wild species genetically inferior or genetically valuable?
Wild species are inferior to the "elite"commercial varieties in at least one or more
ways. However, these wild species have some positive traits which would be
beneficial to elite species, thereby also increasing variation.
* QTL = Quantitative Trait Loci
This gives the ability to use genetic markers for beneficial qualities.
genetic markers
* Drawbacks to the current system
1. QTL and variety development are separate. This means that once a
potential QTL is discovered, lots of crosses are still required. Because of this,
the QTL often never makes it to the development stage.
2. Most QTL studies are only run on traits that are already in the "elite"
breeding lines. Because of this, no new genetic variation is introduced.
* Advanced Backcross QTL Analysis
This process involves the introduction of new beneficial alleles into elite
species to broaden the gene pool and to increase genetic improvement rates
using molecular marker techniques.
*Example:Rice Plants
Oryza rufipogon
References
