Rapid advances in Genomic technologies have widened the opportunities for selecting desirable plants
based on DNA markers. The conventional method of breeding is slow in improving the genetic potentials of crops
particularly when the traits of interest are quantitative in nature. Molecular genetic tools have been developed to aid in
cultivar development. DNA based marker assisted selection (MAS) is emerging as a potential tool to enhance the
efficiency of selection. Molecular markers have been widely used for cultivar identification, parentage and genetic
diversity analysis, genome mapping and tagging of genes of agricultural importance. Genetic linkage maps and
quantitative trait analysis enable researchers to identify molecular markers associated with target traits. Marker-assisted
breeding is being implemented in different grass species. Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire]
is an important cool-season perennial grass which is widely used as forage and turf and also in conservation plantings.
It is an outcrossing polyploid and most of the traits of interests are quantitative in nature. A comprehensive molecular
marker system with microsatellite and sequence tagged site markers has been developed for tall fescue. Genetic linkage
maps were constructed and used for the quantitative trait analysis of important forage quality and morphological traits.
Molecular markers associated with forage digestibility and stem rust resistance were identified and used in a practical
breeding program. Molecular breeding is expected to greatly expedite the future tall fescue cultivar development
process.
Keywords: Molecular markers, QTL, Linkage mapping, Marker-assisted Breeding, Tall fescue, Forage digestibility
