Significant role of molecular markers in sugarcane improvement

Abstract

The modern sugarcane cultivars have a large and complex genome structure that is highly poly-aneuploid and also have inter-specific origin. The complexity and size of the sugarcane genome is a major limitation for its genetic improvement. The major objectives of sugarcane breeder are to increase the sugar yield as well as biomass production. Sugarcane varieties are evaluated for high sugar yield prior to release, which requires 12 to 15 years. Selection for superior clones, a long and expensive process to develop, is the main drawback in conventional breeding programmes. Molecular markers play an important role in accelerating efficient selection for desirable agronomic traits. The application of molecular techniques narrows down the time, space and energy to develop a high sugar yield variety through markerassisted selection. Molecular marker-assisted breeding is more efficient, effective, reliable and cost effective as compared to conventional sugarcane breeding programme, hence it could be more efficient strategies for future breeding programme.