Conducting a MAS program

The basic procedure for conducting MAS with DNA markers is as follows:

1. Extract DNA from tissue of each individual or family in a population.
2. Screen DNA samples via PCR for the molecular marker (SSR, SNP, SCAR, etc.) linked to the trait of interest.
3. Separate and score PCR products, using an appropriate separation and detection technique.
4. Identify individuals exhibiting the desired marker allele.
5. Combine the marker results with other selection criteria (e.g., phenotypic data or other marker results), select the best fraction of the population, and advance those individuals in the breeding program.