Identification of putative trait based markers for Genetic Improvement of Eucalyptus tereticornis

Tree breeding is basically aimed at producing quality products like seeds and clones and the most valuable contribution of molecular markers in breeding programs would be to reduce the time of selection or to reduce the number of breeding cycles. This can be achieved either by the early identification of superior progeny or by the identification of parents that will yield superior progeny. The present study highlights the use of microsatellite markers towards development of putative markers tagging the adventitious rooting trait in Eucalyptus tereticornis. Further, putative cellulose synthase specific markers were identified and correlated with pulping character of wood tissues. The validation of these putative markers in larger populations can lead to more efficient and broadly applicable early selection procedure for key traits in eucalypt breeding programs.