Marker-assisted trait introgression for wheat breeding and research

Publication date: 27/06/2019
Extent: 16 pages

Contributions by: Miguel Sanchez-Garcia, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Morocco; and Alison R. Bentley, The John Bingham Laboratory, NIAB, UK

Chapter synopsis: Trait introgression, the incorporation of a specific character, is a cornerstone of both wheat breeding and research allowing a specific line or variety to be improved for the character. Varieties can be improved by introgressing the trait of interest into their genetic background through backcrossing techniques especially when the underlying genetic control is relatively simple. Moreover, the agronomic value of the variety can be easily and rapidly recovered or improved by combining backcross and double haploid (DH) approaches. This chapter describes the principles of backcross breeding and explains the use of marker assisted doubled haploids for trait introgression. The chapter describes the results of combining backcross and DH introgression and outlines the principles of marker assisted speed breeding.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0051.06