Genetic Mapping and Marker-Assisted Selection for Late Leaf Spot Resistance in Arachis hypogaea L.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63746/njtd.v22i5.3133Keywords:
Late leaf spot, Genetic mapping, Disease, MAS, Quantitative trait lociAbstract
Late leaf spot (LLS), caused by Nothopassalora personata, poses a significant threat to global groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) production, causing severe yield losses and increased reliance on costly fungicides. This study focuses on improving LLS resistance in groundnut genotypes through genetic mapping and marker-assisted selection (MAS). Twenty diverse genotypes, including local landraces and improved varieties, were evaluated for LLS resistance and pod yield across three Nigerian States. Disease severity was scored on a 1-9 scale, and SSR and SNP markers provided genotypic data. QTL mapping identified three significant QTLs on Chromosomes 2, 5, and 9, with the major QTL, qLLS1, explaining 38% of the phenotypic variance. High broad-sense heritability estimates for LLS severity (0.72) and pod yield (0.68) indicate strong genetic control. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.65, p < 0.01) between LLS severity and pod yield underscores the potential yield benefits of resistance breeding. The identified QTLs, especially qLLS1, provide valuable markers for MAS, facilitating the efficient selection of resistant genotypes. These findings support the development of LLS-resistant cultivars, promoting sustainable groundnut production and food security.
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