Developing and deploying an efficient genotyping workflow for accelerating maize improvement in developing countries

Background: Molecular breeding is an essential tool for accelerating genetic gain in crop improvement, towards meeting the need to feed ever-growing world population. Establishing low-cost, flexible genotyping platforms small, public and regional laboratories can stimulate application of molecular developing countries. These serve plant projects requiring low- medium-density markers marker-assisted selection (MAS) quality control (QC) activities. Methods: We performed two QC MAS experiments consisting 637 maize lines, using optimised workflow involving in-house competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) system with sample collection, preparation, DNA extraction quantitation process. A smaller volume leaf-disc size samples was collected directly 96-well plates extraction, a slightly modified CTAB-based DArT protocol. quantity analyses were microplate reader, KASP data analysis our laboratory. Results: Applying optimized expedited from over five weeks (when outsourcing) eliminated shipping cost. Using set 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) validated maize, experiment revealed identity four varieties taken seed sources. Another 10 SNPs sufficient verifying parentage 390 F1 lines. The KASP-based successfully applied pro-vitamin (PVA) program introgressing aflatoxin resistance gene into elite tropical lines. Conclusion: This improved has helped accelerate improvement activities IITA's Maize Improvement Program facilitated fingerprinting tracking varieties. National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) countries adopt this fast-track marker-based improvement.