Molecular Mapping of Forage

Molecular mapping of different species of forage grasses is being performed in many research laboratories around the world using molecular markers. However, the mapping of forage grasses lags behind that of many other crops. Forage grasses are often perennial polyploids, making molecular localization a challenge. In addition, the presence of many segregating genotypes in forage grasses and the small flower size of forage grasses make it difficult to obtain segregating progeny from crosses. Little effort is currently invested in the molecular mapping of forage grasses, which hinders the development of molecular mapping forage grasses. Since most forage grasses are perennials, they can be preserved almost indefinitely as asexual reproduction plants, a distinct advantage over populations of many other crop species. Asexual propagation is particularly useful for breeders who need quantitative genes for multi-year assessment of yield or pest resistance. Therefore, it is essential to map forage grasses.

Fig.1. An integrated approach for achieving sufficient fodder and feed for livestock. (Kulkarni K P et al., 2018).

Solutions

Our forage molecular biologists are developing molecular markers to map forages of several species. As an ideal partner for forage research, Lifeasible provides comprehensive molecular mapping for a wide range of forages to help clients analyze the complexity of forage genome organization and structure. We have the following cutting-edge mapping technology platforms:

• Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism

We provide chromosomal DNA fragments to construct genetic maps by direct markers of chromosomal fragment segregation patterns. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms are abundant in most organisms, and an almost unlimited number can be mapped in any one crossover. Therefore, no laborious construction of marker libraries is required.

• Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers

We offer random amplified polymorphic DNA markers for forage genetic mapping, a fast and simple method to collect information about a wide range of biological genetic variations. In addition, this analysis requires only a small amount of DNA to complete.

• Variable Number of Tandem Repeats

We increase the utility of PCR-based markers by developing primers for genomic regions that are more likely to show variation than randomly selected sequences. This method is the most useful genetic marker.

• Amplicon Length Polymorphism

We offer amplified fragment length polymorphism technology to visualize sets of restriction endosomes by PCR without knowledge of the nucleotide sequence. This method allows specific co-amplification of high numbers of restriction fragments.

For accurate molecular mapping of forage grasses, we focused on parental selection and mapping populations of forage grasses:

• Depending on the breeding system of particular forage grass, we select a suitable locus population for forage grass molecular mapping construction. We usually use F2 or backcross populations from self-crosses or outcrosses of parents for mapping.
• After selecting a suitable mapping population, we help you determine the appropriate population size, as the ’ap's resolution and the ability to determine marker order depend heavily on population size.

Applications of Forage Molecular Mapping

• Providing insight into the organization and evolution of plant genomes.
• Providing information on analyzing genetic variation within species.
• Locating important genes for desired traits by linkage analysis, cloning them on the basis of a linkage map, and transforming them into improved varieties.
• A well-developed linkage map identifies useful quantitative trait loci that can be used for marker-assisted selection for forage improvement.
• Providing a powerful molecular tool for future forage breeding and genetic research.

The development of molecular mapping of forage is important because we expect to use this technology to understand better genomic relationships and identify genes for important agronomic traits. We need to do more in this area because forage grasses are critical in many parts of the world, both as livestock feed and turf. For more information or to discuss in detail, please contact us.