We are currently developing a high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping service at IRRI to accelerate progress in rice breeding by providing rapid and cost-effective marker services. SNP marker development and validation is being performed based on cloned genes and QTLs, GWAS hits, and whole genome sequence data to identify predictive SNP markers at important genes for key traits for the breeding programs. Trait-based and targeted SNPs are being deployed in sets of 24 and 96 SNPs on a Fluidigm EP1 system. At the same time, 384 SNP sets and a 6K SNP chip developed by Susan McCouch at Cornell University are being used for higher density genome scans on an Illumina system. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approaches with 96 and 384 barcoded samples per sequence lane are also being evaluated in comparison to SNP array technology based on the number of loci, call rates, turnaround times, and cost per sample. An efficient sample processing workflow with an integrated LIMS is also being optimized to enable high throughput genotyping with sample tracking to minimize errors. Moreover, web-based SNP data analysis tools have been deployed through the IRRI Galaxy workbench to speed up SNP data analysis. Future efforts will focus on large-scale deployment of GBS across breeding materials to enable QC genotyping, tracking of donor introgressions, and integration of genome-wide prediction into the variety development pipelines. The large-scale application of high-density markers will help transform IRRI’s rice breeding programs and increase the rate of genetic gain towards developing high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties for target environments and market segments

The main objectives of IRRI’s variety development should meet the needs of customers/farmers from diverse rice sectors in each target region. The dynamic market change asks rapid variety development with highly valued QTLs/genes. Molecular breeding implemented through the efficient crossing, high throughput genotyping and rapid generation advancement will provide packages to breeders to develop new varieties quickly and more economically. The more efficient and cost-effective marker-assisted backcrossing service will provide the more opportunity for the success in molecular breeding platform. To make MABC system more successful, the development of molecular marker system for the high-throughput SNP genotyping is must. Currently Genotyping Service Lab (GSL) of IRRI provides high-throughput SNP genotyping service using BeadXpress and Fluidigm system. Meanwhile, the linked SNP markers for the specific traits are being developed. For abiotic stress tolerances, the markers for submergence, drought, heat, anaerobic germination, salinity, and phosphorus deficiency for Fluidigm system are being developed and tested in variety diversity panel and segregating populations. In MABC, due to the high number of crossings, the labor- and space-saving crossing system is being developed. As a result of an integrated MABC platform will speed up the development of pre-breeding line which are containing single or multiple QTLs/genes.