Genome-wide or genomic selection also relies on MAS and is under
evaluation for the feasibility of incorporating desirable alleles at many loci
that have small genetic effect when used individually. In this approach,
breeding values can be predicted for individual lines in a test population
based on phenotyping and whole-genome marker screens. These values
can then be applied to progeny in a breeding population based on marker
data only, without the need for phenotypic evaluation. Modeling studies
indicate that this method can lead to considerable increases in the rates of
genetic gain by accelerating the breeding cycles (20). In the oil palm, for
example, this approach could lead to the release of improved germplasm
after only 6 years as compared with the current time of 19 years (28).