Molecular genetics is the branch of genetics that investigates the chemical and physical nature of genes and the mechanisms by which genes control development, growth and physiology. It is the study of the processes whereby biological information is stored, copied, repaired and decoded to create protein and other molecules within cells and tissues. This influential area of bioscience contributes significantly to expanding our understanding of biology.
But How molecular genetics could be useful for farmers? still, there is a lot of gaps
This is actually a very good question. Because the ultimate goal if science is to give solutions and alternatives to our live and there is not better example as farmers. Molecular genetics can give information of the genetic diversity of our cash crops or farm animals not only to protect their existence because they can also get extinct, if we lost genetic diversity through management, but also can help to increase their efficiency by giving information of which groups are the best to make crossing, helping to improve the species.
Here you have an example with rice: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00425-017-2798-1
With bees:
https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.15743
There is even a master: https://www.jic.ac.uk/training-careers/postgraduate-opportunities/plant-genetics-crop-improvement/
I hope I am answering your question.
Dear Patricia Landaverde
You mentioned good points. But considering the major number of papers in journals in this field, it seems that this field has become a good strategy for publishing papers and books. Farmers still use varieties that improved by conventional breeding methods. So what are the gaps between these huge numbers of published papers around molecular genetics and farmers? is it just pure science or applied science?
Unfortunately the very wrong system in science make people to be worry to publish or perish and forgot what's is really important. I think depends enormously in you and the opportunities that you will find to work together with farmers. Other reason is normally the price of this genetic analysis and the experience needed. But yes. It's necessary more people filling these gaps and institutions paying for that
I appreciate your question. More researchers should be asking this question to each other and to themselves. Molecular genetics can provide information when you need to identify the genetic basis of a plant or animal physiology, but it does not provide an immediate answer to any of the current agricultural issues. Mostly, farm related solutions are provided by private agricultural enterprises and academia is way behind in solving the problems. Focus is on technology rather than application of technology. Hopefully, we can turn the tables in future decades.
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