Advances in molecular markers of blast resistance genes and marker-assisted breeding in rice

Rice blast is one of the most devastating diseases in rice.Exploitation and utilization of broad-spectrum resistance genes are considered as the most economical and effective ways to control the disease.Up to now,78 major rice blast resistance genes have been mapped by the molecular markers,and a lot of molecular markers tightly linked to resistance genes have been developed.24 resistance genes have been cloned and functional markers of 10 cloned genes have been established.The closely linked DNA markers and functional markers of resistance genes are the foundation of markerassisted breeding in rice,and some rice varieties or lines with resistance to blast have been developed by this technology.This paper summarizes the research advances in molecular markers of blast resistance genes and marker-assisted breeding in rice,and discusses the problems and solutions in the application of molecular markers of blast resistance genes and markerassisted breeding.