Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is the selection of desirable genotypes in conventional breeding using DNA-based diagnostic tools. By applying MAS, palms with the desired genotype can be differentiated early by their DNA, even before the characteristic trait can manifest itself visually. The availability of genetic maps, on which DNA markers such as Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the genes controlling selected traits of interest can be located, will facilitate the application of MAS.

Main Research: Leslie Ooi Cheng-Li