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Published online 18 December 2007
Published in Crop Sci 47:S-154-S-163 (2007)
© 2007 Crop Science Society of America
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Molecular Markers in a Commercial Breeding Program

Sam R. Eathingtona,*, Theodore M. Crosbiea, Marlin D. Edwardsb, Robert S. Reiterc and Jason K. Bullc

a Monsanto Co., 3302 S.E. Convenience Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50021
b Seminis Vegetable Seeds, 37437 State Hwy. 16, Woodland, CA 95695
c Monsanto Co., 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63167

* Corresponding author (sam.r.eathington{at}monsanto.com).

In the 1980s, DNA-based molecular markers were identified as having the potential to enhance corn (Zea mays L.) breeding. Research has demonstrated the advantage of using molecular markers for selection of simply inherited traits, however only a few studies have evaluated the potential to enhance genetic gain for quantitative traits. In the late 1990s, Monsanto decided to implement marker assisted selection for quantitative traits in our global plant breeding programs. We built genotyping systems and information tools and developed marker assisted methodologies that increased the mean performance in elite breeding populations.

Abbreviations: IT, information technology • MARS, marker assisted recurrent selection • MTI, multiple trait index • PCR, polymerase chain reaction • QC, quality control • QTL, quantitative trait loci • RFLP, restriction fragment length polymorphisms • SNP, single nucleotide polymorphism • SSR, simple sequence repeat • TDT, transmission disequilibrium test

The development and implementation of new technologies in a commercial plant breeding program requires the effort of the entire organization. The following teams and individuals deserve credit for successfully implementing molecular marker assisted breeding methodologies in Monsanto's plant breeding programs. Breeding Organization—Corn Breeding: Mark J. Messmer, Diego Diz, Manuel Oyervides, Mike J. Graham, Michael A. Hall, Trevor Hohls, Steve Johnson, Bradley A. Sockness, Michael D. Haverdink, and Mike Kerns; Soybean Breeding: Robert E. Buehler, Mike S. Hawbaker, Alan K. Walker, Andrew D Nickel, and Kevin W. Matson; European Sunflower Breeding; All regional managers, global plant breeders and their staff. Breeding Technology Organization—Bruce Schnicker, David Butruille, Keith Boldman, Anju Gupta, Pierre Sehabiague, John P. Tamulonis, Richard O'Hara, Cathy Bechtel, Matthew Sorge, and Kunsheng Wu; Genotyping and marker discovery laboratory managers and scientists; Multi-season managers and staff. Technology Computing Consortium—Suzanne E. Scanlon, Paul W. Skroch, Kay D. Jolly, and Beth A. Holmes; Support, testing, development, and database teams. We would like to specially recognize G. Richard Johnson (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) for his research on implementing marker assisted breeding methodologies, which served as the basis for our initial molecular marker assisted breeding schemes.

Received for publication April 4, 2007.




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