Molecular markers have provided tools suitable for rapid and detailed genetic analysis of plant species. The discovery of Polymerize chain reaction was a landmark in this effort and proved to be a unique process that brought about a new class of DNA profiling markers. This facilitated the development of marker-based gene tags, map-based cloning of agronomically important genes, variability studies, phylogenetic analysis etc., thus giving new dimensions to concerted efforts of breeding and marker-aided selection that can reduce the time span of developing new and better varieties. In this article, DNA markers developed during the last two decades of molecular biology research and utilized for various applications in the area of fruit production are reviewed.
Molecular markers, Fruit, RAPD, RFLD, Perennial crops
