STA Genetic Services performs marker assisted backcrossing through its Genetic Marks service. Conventional backcrossing can take up to seven generations to recover the recurrent parent. STA Genetic Services applies molecular marker assisted selection to backcrossing programs, helping to reduce the number of backcross generations and greatly decreasing recurrent parent recovery time. The Genetic Marks service is a cost effective way to accomplish your breeding program goals, especially for important traits that must be quickly introgressed into new varieties.

STA Genetic Services has identified an optimal number of markers spaced throughout a plant’s genome and studied computer simulations to determine the number of plants to test each generation. In each backcross generation, the population has a wide range for percentage of recurrent parent genome. The Genetic Marks service allows you to select the individuals that inherit the highest percentage of the recurrent parent genomes plus the trait of interest. As a complement after backcrossing, the Genetic Marks service can select individuals homozygous for the trait of interest thereby expediting commercialization of you product.

The perfect alternative to using internal lab resources. STA Genetic Services will work with you to tailor a marker strategy that effectively integrates into and optimizes your unique breeding program.

Call Gene Hookstra, Ph.D. at 303.775.3928 or Russell Rasmussen, Ph.D. at 303.651.6417 or info@stalabs.com to request an STA Genetic’s Backcrossing sample submission form and sample collection material.