Epigenetic map and genetic map basis of complex traits in cassava population

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tropical starchy root crop that is adapted to drought but extremely cold sensitive. A cold-tolerant, high-quality, and robust supply of cassava is urgently needed. Here, we clarify genome-wide distribution and classification of CCGG hemi-methylation and full-methylation, and detected 77 much candidate QTLs^epi for cold stress and 103 much candidate QTLs^epi for storage root quality and yield in 186 cassava population, generated by crossing two non-inbred lines with female parent KU50 and male parent SC124 (KS population). We developed amplified-fragment single nucleotide polymorphism and methylation (AFSM) genetic map in this population. We also constructed the AFSM QTL map, identified 260 much candidate QTL genes for cold stress and 301 much candidate QTL genes for storage root quality and yield, based on the years greenhouse and field trials. This may accounted for a significant amount of the variation in the key traits controlling cold tolerance and the high quality and yield of cassava.