Pearl millet molecular marker researchC THashauthorJ RWitcombeauthorThe slow magic of agricultural research relies on accumulation of knowledge that future generations of scientists can use. New technologies, such as molecular markers, are expensive to develop, and returns from the research take a long time. However, once the knowledge reaches a critical level, gains accelerate and provide a deeper, more flexible, resource. Research on molecular markers to aid in breeding pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for resistance to the downy mildew pathogen Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) J. Schrot., which has been largely funded by the Plant Sciences Research Programme of the UK's Department for International Development (DFID), provides a classic example.Millets2001Article