Integrating molecular techniques into quantitative genetics and plant breeding.

This chapter deals with the relationships between molecular genetic techniques, quantitative genetics and plant breeding. Molecular genetic techniques include the array of methods now available at the molecular level, including molecular-marker technology, the technologies available for studying gene structure and function and the bioinformatics tools necessary for extracting information from the data being generated from sequencing and functional genomics studies. Because the only way either molecular genetic techniques or quantitative genetics contribute to plant improvement is through plant breeding, this chapter discusses the steps involved in a plant breeding programmes. For each step, the contributions of quantitative genetics to the plant breeding process is discussed, along with a discussion of where molecular level techniques intercept with plant breeding and quantitative genetics.