Impact of Pearl Millet Molecular Marker Research

Ten years ago, when most of the world still viewed molecular marker technology as an untested luxury, a collaborative John Innes Centre-ICRISAT project† was sufficiently visionary to appreciate the potential of applying molecular technology to the breeding of crops for developing countries. In 1990, no pearl millet molecular markers existed and no marker-based genetic linkage map had been developed. Today, the situation has dramatically changed. The first major milestone was achieved in 1993 with the creation of the first genetic map of the pearl millet genome. Now more than 600 molecular markers have been created, detailed linkage maps produced and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to the map. MilletGenes, the first UK plant genome database, was initiated with DFID funding and has now been incorporated into the BBSRC-funded UK CropNET Programme. The database is publicly available and is being used by ICRISAT and NARS scientists to assist their MAS (marker-assisted selection) breeding programmes. Race-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conferring resistance to downy mildew and QTLs for tolerance to drought have been identified. The first pearl millet marker-assisted backcrossing program to transfer downy mildew resistances and drought tolerance genes into commercial hybrid parental lines in India has been completed. Within the lifetime of this research programme, pearl millet has been elevated to the status of a molecular crop. The resources are now in place, and available to all, for the use of molecular breeding in the development of improved hybrids of pearl millet and to extend the economic lifespan of elite hybrid lines.