Molecular breeding

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Molecular breeding uses DNA-level tools to improve traits in plants and animals. It includes genetic engineering and gene manipulation, but most often it refers to molecular marker-assisted breeding (MAB), which uses DNA markers, genetic maps, and genomics to select and combine desirable traits based on genotype.

Key methods are Marker-assisted selection and the development of DNA markers like SNPs, which provide many reference points in the genome. Genotyping by sequencing is another growing approach that quickly reads many markers across the genome to guide breeding decisions.

Researchers can also move genes from one species into another in the lab, creating new traits for crops and expanding breeding possibilities. There are extensive molecular breeding resources and multiomics data available to support researchers and breeders.