Smart Breeding is a modern breeding method for marker-assisted selection (genetic markers) of plants. Smart Breeding is precision breeding, because the genetic material of the plants is precisely analyzed (genome research) to select suitable crossing partners or desired offspring.
Instead of focusing on external characteristics (phenotype), breeders here rely on molecular markers (DNA), on the presence of specific genes that have been crossed in. The desired result is then natural offspring of two parental lines with specific, desired traits. However, Smart Breeding does not introduce any new genes (genetic engineering) into the genetic material; no transgenic organisms are created.
Keywords: precision breeding, marker assisted selection (MAS), plant breeding (breeding methods), marker assisted breeding, marker breeding.
