The use of DNA markers in apple breeding: phylogeny, marker assisted selection, and genetic certification (a review)

Abstract

An analysis of current research on the use of molecular genetic markers in addressing taxonomic issues within the genus Malus Mill. and in identifying the genetic variability of apple genetic resource collections has been carried out. The prospects for their application in marker‑assisted selection, as well as in genetic certification and identification of species forms and cultivars, are discussed. Currently, data on genotyping Russian and foreign collections, developing genetic passports, and identifying molecular genetic markers for testing economically valuable traits are being actively accumulated. Marker‑assisted selection using molecular genetic markers (MGM) associated with target genes already facilitates the selection of genotypes at early stages of seedling ontogenesis without prior phenotypic evaluation; in the future, the use of MGM is expected to expand. The near‑term development horizon for marker‑assisted selection includes: improving and unifying marking methods, developing uniform requirements for the assessment of genetic collections and certified planting material, and genetically justified selection of initial forms for crossing in order to increase the effectiveness of the breeding process.