Molecular Marker Technology for Crop Breeding Improvement
A special issue of Crops (ISSN 2673-7655).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 March 2026 | Viewed by 72
Special Issue Editors
Interests: genetics and plant breeding; marker assisted selection; germplasm characterization; molecular characterization; genetic mapping; QTL mapping; in vitro micropropagation
Interests: bioactive compounds (e.g., carotenoids, phenolics) recovery from agro-industrial by-products; the in vitro digestion of food products (INFOGEST protocols); biological activity testing of plant extracts (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant properties); plant micropropagation
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Plant molecular breeding has revolutionized modern agriculture by integrating molecular genetics, biotechnology, and advanced breeding techniques to enhance crop improvement. Traditional breeding methods, while effective, are often time-consuming and can be limited by environmental influences. However, with the advent of molecular breeding approaches like marker-assisted selection (MAS), genetic mapping, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, scientists can now develop high-yielding, stress-resistant, and of course nutritionally enhanced crop varieties.
The characterization of germplasm and molecular diversity is crucial for identifying valuable genetic resources that can be utilized for crop improvement. Thus, breeders can efficiently select desirable traits, thereby reducing breeding cycles and improving precision and, also, understanding the gene function through molecular characterization allows for targeted genetic modifications, ensuring the development of superior plant varieties.
The objective of this Special Issue is to highlight the latest research and applications in plant molecular breeding; consequently, we welcome original research articles, reviews, and methodological studies that focus on molecular tools and genetic approaches designed to improve crop performance, resilience, and productivity.
This Special Issue aims to:
- Explore advancements in marker-assisted selection and genomic selection;
- Investigate the genetic basis of agronomically important traits through QTL mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS);
- Highlight the importance of germplasm characterization in plant breeding;
- Discuss innovations in genetic mapping and molecular characterization of plant species;
- Address emerging challenges and future directions in plant molecular breeding.
Potential topics for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs;
- Germplasm characterization and utilization for genetic conservation;
- The genetic mapping and identification of key genomic regions controlling desirable traits;
- QTL mapping and its role in deciphering complex traits;
- The application of GWAS in identifying functional markers;
- Gene editing technologies (CRISPR, TALEN, etc.) in molecular breeding.
Dr. Ioana Virginia Berindean
Dr. Katalin Szabo
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crops is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- molecular characterization
- markers
- breeding
- MAS
- QTL
- GWAS
- CRISPR
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