Marker assisted selection is a concept which is being used by plant breeders to improve the properties of agronomically and medicinally important plants following the discovery of various molecular markers. The principle of this concept lies in the fact that markers show linkage with different agronomically important traits such as pest resistance, resistance to abiotic factors, qualitative and quantitative traits. Instead of looking for a trait, the breeder can select for an associated marker that can be detected vary easily in the selection scheme. The prerequisites for marker assisted selection in a plant breeding program are as follows (Boopathi 2013):
Marker(s) should show strong linkage (1cM or less) with the desired trait.
High level of polymorphism.
Even distribution across the whole genome (not clustered in certain region).
Co-dominance in expression (so that heterozygotes can be distinguished from homozygotes).
Clear distinct allelic features (so that the different alleles can be easily identified).
Single copy and no pleiotropic effect.
An efficient technique should be available to screen large population for a particular molecular marker.
The screening technique should be highly reproducible and amenable for automation.
Should not have any detrimental effect on phenotype.
It should be economical to use and be user friendly.