ABSTRACT
During the last 10 years a significant progress has been made in the field of rose genetic research including application of DNA markers for genotyping of rose genetic resources, development of dense genetic maps and analysis of rose metabolites. Here we review the current knowledge related to the use of DNA markers for genotyping of the available genetic resources of Rosa damascena in frame of the overall progress in rose genetics studies. We present the research of AgroBioInstitute and Institute of Roses, Essential and Medical Cultures related to the application of marker assisted breeding for the improvement of the oil rose.