Introduction

Molecular marker (marker) is any molecule, characterising certain attribute of the organism. Molecular DNA markers are characteristic, easily identified DNA nucleotide sequences, related with genes encoding certain attributes (parts thereof, or closely located sequence, belonging to the gene bond group). Comparing with phenotype markers, molecular markers have a significant advantage, i.e. the data can be objectively evaluated. That more than just a tool of forensic medicine or simple imprints of DNA sequence. That is an effective tool used in versatile ways in taxonomy, physiology, embryology, gene engineering. Molecular DNA markers are used describing genetic variety, performing genotype labelling and identification, identifying the bonds between genotype and phenotype characteristics, compiling genetic maps of the species, investigating phylogenetic relations, evaluating homozygosis and heterozygosis, as well as genetic polymorphism of the populations. In plant selection the molecular markers started a new era, providing an opportunity for significant shortening the time period and expenditure necessary for the creation of new species, simplifying the selection of suitable genotypes.

This network provides molecular markers of horticultural, field and forest plants identified by the scientists of Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture and Lithuanian Forest Research Institute, as well as the descriptions of the identification thereof and references to publications. The provided information will be useful not only for the scientists of the above mentioned institutions, but also for the scientists of the whole Lithuania working in the field of biology investigations.