QTLs can be followed in a segregating population with the help of molecular markers. Molecular breeding is the science involved with using DNA markers to facilitate the breeding process. Historically, plant breeders have had to rely on phenotypic traits alone to breed for valuable traits.
Breeders can use molecular breeding as a tool to complement classical breeding techniques.
Interestingly, QTL regions obtained from one population can later be introgressed into other varieties which may be more suited for specific environments. Within the broad field of genomics, the QTL approach can be further validated or supported by other areas such as transcriptional profiling, physical mapping, and other functional genomics technologies. Over the past 100 years, the yield of commercial varieties of maize and other crops has hit a plateau of sorts. In today s industry, agricultural productivity is demanded at a fast pace. The industry is fueled by such things as population growth, changes in the environment, agricultural practices, and consumer preferences.