Identification of a major QTL in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) associated with resistance to witches' broom disease

The witches’ broom disease caused by the fungus Crinipellis perniciosa is the main limiting factor for cocoa production in South America and the Caribbean. In Brazil, this disease affects almost all cocoa‐growing regions, causing serious economic, social and ecological damage. The aim of this study was to map genomic regions associated with resistance to C. perniciosa using an F₂ population derived from a cross between ‘Scavina‐6’(resistant) and ‘ICS‐1’(susceptible). The phenotypic index was determined as the average number of vegetative witches’ brooms per canopy area of each plant, the witches’ brooms were counted and eliminated during six field evaluations between May 1998 and August 1999. A total of 124 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 69 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were mapped along 25 linkage groups covering 1713 cM of cocoa genome. After employing single factor and composite interval mapping analyses, a major quantitative trait loci (QTL) flanked by the marker AV14.940 was identified in the linkage group 11, explaining almost 35% of the resistance to witches’ broom. The present result suggests that this QTL acts as a major dominant component of resistance to this pathogen, with great potential for use in marker‐assisted selection procedures in cocoa breeding programmes.     

Validation of a major QTL for scab resistance with SSR markers and use of marker-assisted selection in wheat

The objectives of this study were to validate the major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for scab resistance on the short arm of chromosome 3B in bread wheat and to isolate near‐isogenic lines for this QTL using marker‐assisted selection (MAS). Two resistant by susceptible populations, both using ‘Ning7840’ as the source of resistance, were developed to examine the effect of the 3BS QTL in different genetic backgrounds. Data for scab resistance and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to the resistance QTL were analyzed in the F_2:3 lines of one population and in the F_3:4 lines of the other. Markers linked to the major QTL on chromosome 3BS in the original mapping population (‘Ning7840’/‘Clark’) were closely associated with scab resistance in both validation populations. Marker‐assisted selection for the QTL with the SSR markers combined with phenotypic selection was more effective than selection based solely on phenotypic evaluation in early generations. Marker‐assisted selection of the major QTL during the seedling stage plus phenotypic selection after flowering effectively identified scab resistant lines in this experiment. Near‐isogenic lines for this 3BS QTL were isolated from the F₆ generation of the cross ‘Ning7840’/‘IL89‐7978’ based on two flanking SSR markers, Xgwm389 and Xbarc147. Based on these results, MAS for the major scab resistance QTL can improve selection efficiency and may facilitate stacking of scab resistance genes from different sources.     

Confirmation of quantitative trait loci for resistance to multiple-HG types of soybean cyst nematode (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Heterodera glycines</Emphasis> Ichinohe)

Genetic analysis of resistance of plant introduction (PI) 438489B to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) have shown that this PI is highly resistant to many SCN HG types. However, validation of the previously detected quantitative trait loci (QTL) has not been done. In this study, 250 F_2:3 progeny of a Magellan (susceptible) × PI 438489B (resistant) cross were used for primary genetic mapping to detect putative QTL for resistance to five SCN HG types. QTL confirmation study was subsequently conducted using F_6:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the same cross. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were employed for molecular genotyping. Interval mapping (IM), permutation tests, cofactor selection, and composite interval mapping (CIM) were performed to identify and map QTL. Results showed that five QTL intervals were associated with resistance to either multiple- or single-HG types of SCN. Among these, two major QTL for resistance to multiple-SCN HG types were mapped to chromosomes (Chr.) 8 and 18, consistent with the known rhg1 and Rhg4 locations. The other QTL were mapped to Chr. 4. The results of our study confirmed earlier reported SCN resistance QTL in this PI. Moreover, SSR and SNP molecular markers tightly linked to these QTL can be useful for the near-isogenic lines (NILs) development aiming to fine-mapping of these QTL regions and map-based cloning of SCN resistance candidate genes.     

Identification and marker‐assisted introgression of QTL conferring resistance to bacterial leaf blight in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola (Xav), is widespread in major cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] growing regions of the world. Considering the resource poor nature of cowpea farmers, development and introduction of cultivars resistant to the disease is the best option. Identification of DNA markers and marker‐assisted selection will increase precision of breeding for resistance to diseases like bacterial leaf blight. Hence, an attempt was made to detect QTL for resistance to BLB using 194 F_2 : 3 progeny derived from the cross ‘C‐152’ (susceptible parent) × ‘V‐16’ (resistant parent). These progeny were screened for resistance to bacterial blight by the leaf inoculation method. Platykurtic distribution of per cent disease index scores indicated quantitative inheritance of resistance to bacterial leaf blight. A genetic map with 96 markers (79 SSR and 17 CISP) constructed from the 194 F₂ individuals was used to perform QTL analysis. Out of three major QTL identified, one was on LG 8 (qtlblb‐1) and two on LG 11 (qtlblb‐2 and qtlblb‐3). The PCR product generated by the primer VuMt337 encoded for RIN2‐like mRNA that positively regulate RPM1‐ and RPS2‐dependent hypersensitive response. The QTL qtlblb‐1 explained 30.58% phenotypic variation followed by qtlblb‐2 and qtlblb‐3 with 10.77% and 10.63%, respectively. The major QTL region on LG 8 was introgressed from cultivar V‐16 into the bacterial leaf blight susceptible variety C‐152 through marker‐assisted backcrossing (MABC).     

Genetic analysis of resistance to barley scald (Rhynchosporium secalis) in the Ethiopian line `Abyssinian' (CI668)

A doubled haploid barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) population from a cross between the cultivar `Ingrid' and the Ethiopian landrace `Abyssinian' was mapped by AFLP, RFLP, SSR and STS markers and tested for resistance to isolates`4004', `2', `16-6', `17', `22' and `WRS 1872' of Rhynchosporium secalis (Oudem.) J.J. Davis, the causal agent of leaf scald. Resistance tests were conducted on parents, DH-lines, a near-isogenic line of `Abyssinian' (NIL) into `Ingrid', and an F₂ population descended from the same F₁ plants as the DHs. The DH population segregated for at least two major R. secalis resistance QTL. All isolates tested identified a major QTL on chromosome 3 (3H) associated with R. secalis resistance, in a 4 cM support interval between the co-segregating markers Bmac0209/Falc666 and MWG680. The QTL was linked with the markers Falc666 (2.3 cM), YLM/ylp (0.3 cM), MWG680 (1.7 cM), cttaca2 (2.5 cM) and agtc17 (9.8 cM). The second QTL was located on chromosome 1 (7H).However, this QTL was only detected by one isolate and was located in an interval of 16 cM in the distal part of the chromosome. At this QTL the allele for improved scald resistance originated from the parent `Ingrid'. There were a number of minor QTL on chromosomes 2 (2H), 4 (4H) and 6 (6H) that were not repeatable either across replications or analysis methods. The importance of checking QTL-models by cross-validation is stressed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Identification of a major QTL affecting resistance to brown spot in tobacco (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nicotiana tabacum</Emphasis> L.) via linkage and association mapping methods

Brown spot (BS) is a destructive foliar disease in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and is caused by Alternaria alternata. BS poses a serious threat to tobacco production worldwide. To develop molecular markers that are tightly linked to BS resistance for marker-assisted selection (MAS), F₂, F_2:3 and BC₃F_2:3 populations were developed from a cross between a source of BS resistance Jingyehuang (JYH) and a BS susceptible flue-cured variety NC82. One hundred eighty-one F₂ individuals, 180 F_2:3 lines and 256 BC₃F_2:3 lines were evaluated for field resistance under different environments and quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified by linkage mapping. A major QTL was mapped on chromosome15; this QTL explained 8.6–18.0% of the phenotypic variation under different conditions. Furthermore, 219 accessions were evaluated for their responses to BS at two sites, and association mapping (AM) was used to verify the chromosomal region harboring the major QTL. The AM results showed that six significant marker-trait associations were detected at two sites. Among these markers, the marker Indel53 within the specific chromosomal region exhibited the most significant association with resistance to BS and explained 20.0 and 21.5% of the phenotypic variation at the two sites, respectively. An approximately 2-Mb physical interval at the locus of marker Indel53 contained 31 predicted genes; quantitative real-time PCR results suggested that two of these genes (Nitab 4.5_0000264g0050.1 and Nitab 4.5_0000264g0130.1) were probable candidate genes for resistance to BS. In summary, our results suggested that the novel major QTL from tobacco variety JYH for resistance to BS provided partial effective resistance against A. alternata and was useful for MAS of resistance to BS in tobacco breeding.     

Mapping of quantitative trait loci controlling partial resistance against rust incited by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Uromyces pisi</Emphasis> (Pers.) Wint. in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum fulvum</Emphasis> L. intraspecific cross

A quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to pea rust, caused by the fungus Uromyces pisi (Pers.) Wint., has been identified in a F₂ population derived from an intraspecific cross between two wild pea (Pisum fulvum L.) accessions, IFPI3260 (resistant) and IFPI3251 (susceptible). Both parental lines and all the segregating population displayed a fully compatible interaction (high infection type), which indicates absence of hypersensitive response. Nevertheless, differences on the percentage of symptomatic area of the whole plant (disease severity) were observed. A genetic map was developed covering 1283.3 cM and including 146 markers (144 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) and two sequence tagged sites (STSs) markers) distributed in 9 linkage groups. A QTL explaining 63% of the total phenotypic variation was located in linkage group 3. RAPDs markers (OPY11₁₃₁₆ and OPV17₁₀₇₈) flanking this QTL should allow, after their conversion in SCARs, a reliable marker-assisted selection for rust resistance.     

QTL analysis of resistance to Fusarium head blight in wheat using a 'Wangshuibai'-derived population

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease that reduces the yield, quality and economic value of wheat. For quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of resistance to FHB, F₃ plants and F_3:5 lines, derived from a ‘Wangshuibai’ (resistant)/‘Seri82’(susceptible) cross, were spray inoculated during 2001 and 2002, respectively. Artificial inoculation was carried out under field conditions. Of 420 markers, 258 amplified fragment length polymorphism and 39 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were mapped and yielded 44 linkage groups covering a total genetic distance of 2554 cM. QTL analysis was based on the constructed linkage map and area under the disease progress curve. The analyses revealed a QTL in the map interval Xgwm533‐Xs18/m12 on chromosome 3BS accounting for up to 17% of the phenotypic variation. In addition, a QTL was detected in the map interval Xgwm539‐Xs15/m24 on chromosome 2DL explaining up to 11% of the phenotypic variation. The QTL alleles originated from ‘Wangshuibai’ and were tagged with SSR markers. Using these SSR markers would facilitate marker‐assisted selection to improve FHB resistance in wheat.     

Phenotypic selection for high resistance to Fusarium head blight after introgression of quantitative trait loci (QTL) from exotic spring wheat and verification by simple sequence repeat markers a posteriori

Fusarium head blight (FHB) has become an important disease of wheat. We introgressed three resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) alleles on chromosomes 3B, 5A (from CM82036) and 3A (from ‘Frontana’) into European elite spring wheat and performed phenotypic selection among double‐cross (DC) derived progeny in generations DCF₂ and DCF₃. After recombination and selfing, we analysed 135 phenotypically selected progeny by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to the QTL. In a second experiment, we forwarded the best 20 progeny for a further two generations by pedigree selection. Progeny were inoculated at two to four locations with Fusarium culmorum and the percentage of infected spikelets per plot was estimated. Both experiments show that phenotypic selection was highly effective. One‐hundred out of 135 phenotypically selected DCF_1:3 progeny had the combination of donor‐QTL alleles (3B + 5A + 3A, 3B + 5A) with the highest effects on FHB resistance. In the subsequent generations, sufficient genotypic variance was detected. The best F_5:7 bulks had similar resistance to the donor CM82036. The FHB rating was reduced in total by 45% points compared to the parental mean. QTL with high effects can be detected solely by phenotypic selection after targeted introgression.     

Molecular mapping and identification of QTL's associated to oat crown rust partial resistance

Summary Molecular mapping is a promising strategy for studying and understanding traits with complex genetic control, such as partial resistance to oat crown rust. The objectives of this research were to develop molecular maps from the progenies of the cross UFRGS7 (susceptible) × UFRGS910906 (partially resistant) and to identify QTLs (quantitative trait loci) associated to partial resistance to oat crown rust in two generations of that population.DNA of 86 genotypes of the F₂ and 90 genotypes of the F₆ UFRGS7 × UFRGS910906 population were used to generate AFLP markers. Molecular maps were constructed using Mapmaker Exp. 3.0 and QTLs for partial resistance to oat crown rust were identified with Mapmaker/QTL software. Five hundred and fifty seven markers in the F₂ and 243 markers in the F₆ generations were identified. The F₂ map integrated 250 markers in 37 linkage groups. The F₆ map integrated 86 markers in 17 linkage groups.Five QTLs were identified for partial resistance to oat crown rust in the F₂ generation and three QTLs in the F₆. The QTL identified on F₆ through the PaaaMctt340 AFLP marker showed consistency across two environments and two generations (F₄ and F₆), and appear to have potential for marker-assisted selection in oat.     

Quantitative trait loci analysis in Theobroma cacao using molecular markers. Inheritance of polygenic resistance to Phytophthora palmivora in two related cacao populations

Two related segregating populations of Theobroma cacao L. were analysed for their resistance to Phytophthora palmivora. The first F₁ population was obtained by crossing two susceptible cacao clones of Catongo (a highly homozygous genotype) and Pound 12(a highly heterozygous genotype) and the second population was obtained by backcrossing a single F₁ tree with Catongo. The genetic maps obtained for each population were compared. The F₁ map includes 162 loci and the backcross has 140 loci. The two maps, F₁ and BC₁, exhibit high co-linear loci organization covering respectively, 772 and 944 cM.Phytophthora resistance was assessed by measuring the size increase of a lesion at five (DL5)and ten days (DL10) after pod inoculation. Six different QTL were detected in the F₁ and BC₁ populations. One QTL was found in both populations, and appeared to be a major component of disease resistance, and explaining nearly 48% of the phenotypic variance in the F₁ population. The absence of some yield QTL detection in the BC₁ in comparison with the F₁ population is due to the lack of transmission of the favouring alleles for these QTL from the single F₁ tree used for the backcross. The phenotypic variance explained by the action of the quantitative trait alleles indicated that genetic factors of both major and minor effects were involved in the control of the character studied. QTL conferring increased resistance to Phytophthorawere identified in both susceptible parents, suggesting the presence of transgressive traits and the possibility of selection in cacao. Pleiotropic and epistatic effects for the QTL were also detected. Finally, the use of marker assisted selection (MAS) in cacao breeding programs is discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Identification and mapping of random amplified polymorphic DNA markers linked to a rhizomania resistance gene in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) by bulked segregant analysis

Bulked segregant analysis was employed to identify random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers linked to a gene that confers rhizomania resistance to a sugar beet line created from a Holly Sugar Company breeding population (USA). Polymorphism revealed with 160 arbitrary 10-mer oligonucleotide primers was screened in two bulks produced by separately pooling the individual DNAs from the six most resistant and the six most susceptible plants of an F₂ population segregating for rhizomania resistance. A study of the F₂ individuals showed that 19 primers generated 44 polymorphic markers which were then grouped into nine linkage groups. By analysis of variance, 12 were shown to have a significant effect upon the level of resistance and were mapped on a segment 22.3 cM long. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) of resistance was identified and located in a 4.6cM interval between two markers. It accounted for 67.4% of the observed variation and almost all the genetic variation. These results suggest that the identified QTL corresponds to a unique major gene conditioning the Holly resistance studied, which we have named Rz-l.     

Screening for grain dormancy in segregating generations of dormant × non-dormant crosses in white-grained wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> L.)

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a significant problem. Introgression of genes controlling grain dormancy into white-grained bread wheat is one means of improving resistance to PHS. In this study seven dormant (containing the SW95-50213 and AUS1408 sources) × non-dormant crosses were produced to investigate the effectiveness of selection for grain dormancy in early segregating generations. Each generation (F₁–F₄) was grown in a temperature controlled glasshouse with an extended photoperiod (i.e. continuous light). F₂ and F₃ generations were subject to selection. Five hundred harvest-ripe grains were tested for germination over a 14 day period, and the 100 most dormant grains were retained and grown-on to produce the next generation within each cross. The response to selection was assessed through analysis of the time to 50% germination (G₅₀) in the F₂, F₃ and F₄ generations. In addition, changes in marker class frequencies for two SSR markers (barc170 and gpw2279) flanking a known quantitative trait locus (QTL) for grain dormancy on chromosome 4A were assessed in DNA from F₂ plants selected from early germinating (non-dormant) and late germinating (dormant) phenotypic extremes within each cross. Selection for grain dormancy in the F₂ and F₃ generations effectively recovered the dormant phenotype in all seven crosses, i.e. the F₄ generation was not significantly different from the dormant parent. Further, selection based on individual F₂ grains changed marker class frequencies for the 4A dormancy QTL; in most cases eliminating the marker class homozygous for the non-dormant alleles. Application of this screening method will enable breeders to better select for grain dormancy and may lead to development of new cultivars offering effective resistance to PHS in the near future.     

QTL mapping of fiber quality in an elite hybrid derived-RIL population of upland cotton

Xiangzamian 2 (XZM2) was the most widely cultivated cotton hybrid planted as F₁ hybrids and as selfed F₂ seeds in China before the release of transgenic Bt hybrids. By crossing two parents of XZM2, Gossypium hirsutum cv. Zhongmiansuo12 (ZMS12) and G. hirsutum acc. 8891, and through subsequent selfings, we obtained F₈ and F₉ populations of 180 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). A RIL population was cultivated in two cotton-growing regions in China for 2 years. The purpose of the present research was to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fiber quality and provide information applicable to cotton breeding. A genetic map was constructed mainly using SSR markers. QTL controlling fiber quality traits were determined at the single-locus and two-locus levels, and genotype-by-environment interactions were analyzed. Among the main-effect QTL, a fiber length QTL qFL-D2-1 and a reflectance QTL qFR-D2-1 were simultaneously detected at two growing regions in 2 years, which suggested a high degree of stability in different environments, and might be of particular value for a marker-assisted selection (MAS) program. The results suggested that epistatic effects, as well as additive effects, of QTL play important roles in fiber quality in these RILs. In our research, the phenomenon of QTL clusters was detected in the cotton genome.     

Quantitative trait loci for leafhopper (Empoasca fabae and Empoasca kraemeri) resistance and seed weight in the common bean

A population of 108 common bean recombinant inbred lines (RILs) (F_5:6‐9), derived from a leafhopper (Empoasca fabae and E. kraemeri)‐susceptible cultivar (‘Berna’) and a leafhopper‐resistant line (EMP 419) was used to identify molecular markers genetically linked to leafhopper resistance and seed weight. Bulked segregant analysis and quantitative trait analysis identified eight markers that were associated with resistance to E. fabae, and four markers that were associated with E. kraemeri resistance. Three markers were associated with resistance to both species. A partial linkage map of the bean genome was constructed. Composite interval mapping identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to both leaf hopper species on core‐map linkage groups B1, B3 and B7. QTL for seed weight were found close to the locus controlling testa colour and an α‐phaseolin gene.     

Development of AFLP-derived SCAR markers associated with resistance to two races of southern root-knot nematode in sweetpotato

The southern root-knot nematode (SRKN) Meloidogyne incognita severely damages yield and quality in sweetpotato production, and host plant resistance is one of the primary options for SRKN control. Segregation of F₁ progeny resistant and susceptible to the SP1 and SP2 races of SRKN suggested that the race-specific resistance of the sweetpotato cultivar ??Hi-Starch?? is mostly controlled by single genes and that the genes for resistance against each race are closely located. Bulked segregant analysis and subsequent analysis of 86 F₁ progeny plants identified nine amplified fragment-length polymorphism markers associated with SRKN resistance and a single linkage map consisting of seven of these markers. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using the segregating resistance data of the F₁ progeny allowed mapping of both a locus with a large effect on resistance to the SRKN race SP1 and another affecting resistance to SP2 to the region around E33M53_090 that was designated as qRmi(t). Two AFLP markers in the vicinity of qRmi(t), E33M53_090 and E41M32_206, were converted to locus-specific sequence-characterized amplified region markers based on their internal and adjacent DNA sequences. These markers might be useful for marker-assisted selection of SRKN resistance in sweetpotato breeding and as a first step to map-based cloning of the responsible QTL(s).     

Development of an interspecific Vigna linkage map between Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi and V. nakashimae (Ohwi) Ohwi & Ohashi and its use in analysis of bruchid resistance and comparative genomics

To facilitate transfer of bruchid resistance to azuki bean (Vigna angularis) from its relatives an interspecific mapping population was made between rice bean, V. umbellata, and the related wild species V. nakashimae. The V. umbellata parent is completely resistant and V. nakashimae is completely susceptible to the bruchid beetle pests, azuki bean weevil (Callosobruchus chinensis) and cowpea weevil (C. maculatus). There is very low cross compatibility between V. umbellata and azuki bean. Therefore, V. nakashimae, that crosses with both V. umbellata and V. angularis without the need for embryo rescue, is used as a bridging species. A genetic linkage map was constructed based on an interspecific F₂ mapping population between V. umbellata and V. nakashimae consisting of 74 plants. A total of 175 DNA marker loci (74 RFLPs and 101 SSRs) were mapped on to 11 linkage groups spanning a total length of 652 cM. Segregation distortion was observed but only three markers were not linked to any linkage group due to severe segregation distortion. This interspecific genome map was compared with the genome map of azuki bean. Of 121 common markers on the two maps, 114 (94.2%) were located on the same linkage groups in both maps. The marker order was highly conserved between the two genome maps. Fifty F₂ plants that produced sufficient seeds were used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and locating gene(s) for C. chinensis and C. maculatus resistance in V. umbellata. The resistance reaction of these F₂ plants differed between C. chinensis and C. maculatus. Both resistances were quantitatively inherited with no F₂ plants completely susceptible to C. chinensis or C. maculatus. One putative QTL for resistance to each of these bruchid species was located on different linkage groups. Other putative QTLs associated with resistance to both C. chinensis and C. maculatus were localized on the same linkage group 1. Linked markers associated with the bruchid‐resistant QTL will facilitate their transfer to azuki bean breeding lines.     

Mapping of quantitative trait loci conferring resistance to bacterial wilt in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Tobacco bacterial wilt (TBW) is one of the most serious tobacco diseases in the world. Studies have shown that tobacco resistance to TBW is quantitatively inherited. This study aimed to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring TBW resistance. An F_2 : 3 population containing 237 lines was developed from a cross between two flue‐cured tobacco cultivars, ‘Yanyan 97’ (YY97; moderately resistant to TBW) and ‘Honghua Dajinyuan’ (HD; highly susceptible to TBW), and a linkage map consisting of 201 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers and spanning a total length of 2326.7 cM was constructed based on the population. Field experiments were conducted 2011 and 2012, and disease symptoms were investigated three times in each year. The phenotypic data were analysed either separately or jointly for QTL mapping using the software QTLNetwork 2.1. Eight QTL with significant main effects were mapped on chromosomes 2, 6, 12, 17 and 24. A major QTL (qBWR17a) was detected on chromosome 17, which explained up to 30% of the phenotypic variation. The results can facilitate marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in TBW resistance breeding programme.     

Search for molecular markers linked to Liriomyza trifolii resistance in tomato

Resistance to many arthropods, including Liriomyza species, is known to be present in accessions of Lycopersicon hirsutum (f. typicum or f. glabratum). From the cross L. esculentum cv. Moneymaker and L. hirsutum f. glabratum G1561 100 F₂ plants were screened in a no-choice test for resistance to Liriomyza trifolii. The Bulked Segregant Analysis approach was used to find Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers linked to resistance. Two markers were located on chromosome 2. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms constructed a more detailed genetic linkage map for part of chromosome 2. Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed that this chromosome harbored a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for number of pupae, number of mines and damage. At least one major QTL is essential for resistance and this QTL is located on chromosome 2 nearby the location of the tomato probe TG451. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Potential for effective marker-assisted selection of three quantitative trait loci conferring adult plant resistance to powdery mildew in elite wheat breeding populations

Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with adult plant resistance (APR) to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivar ‘Massey’ were mapped in a previous study. The three QTL were located on chromosomes 2A, 2B and 1B, and explained 50% of the total phenotypic variation. A 293 recombinant inbred line (RIL) breeding population (UJ) derived from the cross of ‘USG 3209’, a derivative of ‘Massey’, and ‘Jaypee’ was used to evaluate the potential effectiveness of marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for APR. Powdery mildew severities of the 293 UJ RILs were evaluated in 2002 (F_{5 : 6}) and 2003 (F_{6 : 7}) under natural disease pressure in the field. The 293 RILs were also evaluated for disease severity in a 2004 (F_{7 : 8}) greenhouse experiment using a composite of five different isolates of B. graminis. Selection of RILs possessing the QTL on chromosome 2A, and to a lesser extent, the one on chromosome 1B was effective in identifying powdery mildew resistance in both greenhouse and field experiments. Overall, selecting RILs with QTL on chromosomes 2A and 2B was most successful in identifying highly resistant RILs, which had mean mildew severities of 4.4% and 3.2% in 2002 and 2003 field experiments, respectively. Breeders implementing MAS programs for APR to powdery mildew via selection of RILs containing the two QTL on chromosomes 2A and 2B likely will obtain RILs having high levels of resistance in the field, however combining all three QTL may ensure greater durability.