Compared with previously reported RFLP markers linked to the Pi-1(t) gene [94,155],
microsatellite markers are potentially more useful in developing countries where financial support is
the principal limiting factor to establishing MAS rice breeding programs. Fuentes et al. [16] discussed
the utility of DNA markers in MAS and gene pyramiding in rice breeding programs aimed at
improving blast resistance. Indeed, PCR-based allele-specific markers provide an efficient system for
MAS in blast resistance breeding programs [122]. However, the importance of using DNA markers
within or flanking genes of interest during MAS strategies in rice should be stressed [73]. Finally, it is
possible that several blast resistance genes could be combined using MAS in a single genetic
background to develop rice cultivars with broad-spectrum durable resistance to blast