title: Seed banks and molecular maps: unlocking genetic potential from the wild.
abstract: Nearly a century has been spent collecting and preserving genetic diversity in plants. Germplasm banks-living seed collections that serve as repositories of genetic variation-have been established as a source of genes for improving agricultural crops. Genetic linkage maps have made it possible to study the chromosomal locations of genes for improving yield and other complex traits important to agriculture. The tools of genome research may finally unleash the genetic potential of our wild and cultivated germplasm resources for the benefit of society.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Breeding, 252 Emerson Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Tanksley
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: McCouch
mesh_terms: D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000235:genetics*; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D017343:Genes, Plant; D014644:Genetic Variation; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000235:genetics; D012275:Oryza / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics*; D012639:Seeds / Q000235:genetics*