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Abstract
The development of molecular markers allows plant breeders to identify desirable traits by
analysing DNA rather than undertaking field trials or laboratory tests. This capacity provides
a potential for a significant changes to occur within plant breeding programs. However, the
value of marker-assisted selection varies with the trait assessed, the type of marker and the
stage in the breeding program at which it is applied. In order to provide plant breeders with a
basis for assessing the role of marker-assisted selection, the issues of which markers to apply
and when to apply are analysed.