Simple sequence repeat marker development and genetic mapping in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.).

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Genetics
• Plant Biology

Background:

• Quinoa, a vital Andean grain, is gaining global recognition for its nutritional benefits and stress resilience.
• Developing DNA markers and linkage maps is crucial for quinoa's genetic conservation and crop enhancement.
• Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers offer a powerful tool for genetic studies due to their transferability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel polymorphic SSR markers for quinoa.
• To construct the first SSR-based genetic linkage map for quinoa.
• To provide a valuable resource for quinoa breeding programs and research in Andean regions.

Main Methods:

• Development of 216 new SSR markers from GA, CAA, and AAT repeat libraries and 6 BES-SSRs.
• Construction of a linkage map using a recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population.
• Integration of additional markers including AFLPs, 11S seed storage protein loci, and NOR onto the map.

Main Results:

• A total of 275 markers, including 200 SSRs, were placed on the map, forming 38 linkage groups spanning 913 cM.
• Observed segregation distortion in several loci suggests potential chromosomal regions linked to selection or lethality.
• The average heterozygosity (H) of the SSR markers was 0.57, with a range from 0.12 to 0.90.

Conclusions:

• The first SSR-based genetic map for quinoa has been successfully constructed.
• This map, utilizing easily transferable SSR markers, is highly beneficial for research labs in South America.
• The map provides a foundation for future quinoa genetic improvement and germplasm characterization efforts.