Cover

Abstract

On the cover

In conventional breeding systems, different varieties are crossed, and individuals exhibiting desirable traits are repeatedly selected from the resulting progeny. The complexity of this process is largely determined by the life cycle and reproductive mode of each crop. However, beyond these biological constraints, DNA marker-assisted selection (MAS) provides an effective approach to enhancing breeding efficiency across a wide range of species. MAS is now routinely employed in rice breeding in Japan, and a substantial number of varieties developed through this approach are widely cultivated (This issue, p. 3–26).

(A. Goto: Institute of Crop Science, NARO)