Molecular Evolution and Genetic Diversity of Oil Palm Based on Sequencing and Analysis with Molecular Markers

Molecular marker advancement and utilization to exploit and identify genetic diversity are the most key developments in molecular genetic studies. Molecular markers are the most common tool for exploring plant genetic diversity and area pre- requisite for gene mapping, segregation and genetic analysis, forensic assessment, phylogenetic analysis, and the achievement of many other biological goals. Despite the development of several molecular marker types that are regularly applied in plant breeding, majority of these markers are confined in their functions due to their limited accessibility and the cost of analyses carried out on a large scale. However, the advent of sequencing technologies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genotyping by sequencing (GBS), has transformed plant breeding via SSR and SNP development. To date, different types of sequencing technologies have been generated and reviewed. This chapter provides insight into the spectrum of molecular marker-based detection methods and their role in determining the genetic diversity of oil palms based on sequencing.