Integrating molecular genetics with plant breeding to deliver impact

Abstract

Summary The appropriate use of molecular genetic approaches to reach impact in plant breeding is not straightforward. Here, we consider theory and realised application, and explore key issues that early-career plant molecular genetic researchers especially should consider as they establish their careers, particularly in relation to opportunities in plant breeding that span academia and the private sector. Useful entry points for these researchers are an understanding of the plant breeding cycle and the breeder’s equation. Becoming familiar with success and failure factors in the application of molecular genetics to practical plant breeding, including in relation to quantitative genetic principles, is also important. Other framing issues are scenario modelling for choosing between breeding scheme options, how agronomy and plant breeding interrelate, and the needs of future food production systems. We also recommend that early-career plant molecular genetic researchers look at whether pathways have been mapped out for how research will lead to impact at field level, whether stakeholders’ perspectives have been accounted for, and whether the effectiveness of molecular genetic versus alternative interventions have been costed. Early-career researchers should also consider if effective systems are in place to monitor the values of molecular interventions, and whether the necessary multidisciplinary teams are involved in crop development and deployment. We believe that through building a cadre of well-informed and well-connected early-career plant molecular genetic researchers, transformational change in the applications of molecular genetics to practical plant breeding will be enhanced.