Associated DNA markers linked to specific agronomically important genes, such as disease or insect resistance, can be utilized in marker assisted selection (MAS) to hasten breeding programs. As a DNA based selection tool, plant breeders can use backcrossing and MAS methods to integrate agronomically important genes into their elite genotypes or commercial germplasms expeditiously and efficiently. It often is easier and less expensive to select genotypes that have the DNA marker than it is to grow them to maturity and see if they develop the desirable trait. MAS may facilitate the first steps toward the systematic pyramiding of the genes of interest into your elite germplasms.