By establishing and operating a Molecular Marker Lab, AgReliant Genetics is able to integrate the use of biotechnology in product research and to provide high-quality products to the market. This lab, located in the AgReliant Research Station in Lebanon, Indiana, provides two types of genetic analyses: molecular marker analysis and detection of genetically modified organism (GMO).

In addition, the Molecular Marker Lab has been routinely conducting projects such as marker assisted backcrossing, QTL (quantitative trait loci) mapping and DNA fingerprinting. Annually, about 200 inbred lines are fingerprinted and are added into the company’s DNA fingerprinting database.

Recently, the lab finished a QTL mapping project to locate genes responsible for lower fumonisin production in corn kernels. We are in a planning stage to map more disease resistant genes for diseases such as anthracnose stalk rot and gray leaf spot. In addition, other traits such as test weight and maturity are also being considered.

Molecular Marker Analysis

Molecular marker analysis is a type of DNA analysis that assists breeders to find genes with speed and precision. Several applications are made with molecular markers.

• Molecular markers are particularly useful for those traits that are under multiple gene control and that are hard to evaluate due to environmental fluctuations.

For example, selection of certain disease resistant plants can be difficult due to year-to-year variation in climate. With molecular markers, segregating materials can be initially screened in the lab using DNA markers that are closed linked with these genes. This will speed up the selection process, reduce the sample size and increase the accuracy of selection.

• DNA fingerprinting is an effective way to identify and protect an inbred line.

As every cultivar is characterized by the unique genetic profile of its own, molecular markers can be used to produce a DNA fingerprinting pattern for a given inbred. In the meantime, such data can also be used to analyze genetic diversity of the breeder’s gene pool for hybrid development.

• Transferring a GMO trait into an agronomically adapted line can be made easier with the aid of molecular markers.

When a GMO trait is introduced into a new line via backcrossing, molecular markers that are present in the recurrent parents can be used to quickly and precisely identify the backcrossed progeny individuals which have the highest percentage of the recurrent parent along with the introduced GMO trait. On average, molecular markers will allow such conversion to be completed by saving two generations at one time.