Application of molecular markers in almond breeding programmes

Abstract

Developing new cultivars is a long and tedious process in almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb], involving the generation of large populations of seedlings from which the best genotypes are selected. Whereas the capacity of breeders to generate big populations from crosses is almost unlimited, its management, screening and selection of seedlings are the main limiting factors in the generation of new releases. The development of molecular markers to be used in early selection of seedlings in the almond breeding programmes, is interesting for the selection of these new cultivars.