Marker-Assisted Selection

Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) is a genetic technique used by plant and animal breeders to select individuals with desirable traits. It involves identifying specific DNA markers—unique genetic signals linked to beneficial traits—without waiting for those traits to fully develop. By testing for these markers, breeders can efficiently choose the best candidates early in the breeding process. This accelerates the development of improved crops and livestock with qualities like disease resistance or higher yield, making breeding more precise and faster than traditional methods that rely solely on visible traits.