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Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Gray Leaf Spot Resistance in St. Augustinegrass
Xingwang Yu1, Steve E Mulkey2, Maria C Zuleta1
1Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, U.S.A.
Plant Disease
|September 28, 2020
Summary
Researchers identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for gray leaf spot (GLS) resistance in St. Augustinegrass. These findings, including major effect QTL, can aid in breeding resistant turfgrass varieties.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Genetics
- Horticulture
Background:
- Gray leaf spot (GLS), caused by *Magnaporthe grisea*, is a significant fungal disease affecting St. Augustinegrass (*Stenotaphrum secundatum*).
- Warm, humid conditions exacerbate GLS, leading to widespread blighting and impacting turf quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to gray leaf spot in St. Augustinegrass.
- To develop molecular markers for breeding programs aimed at enhancing GLS resistance.
Main Methods:
- An F1 mapping population of 153 St. Augustinegrass hybrids was created from susceptible (Raleigh) and resistant (PI 410353) parents.
- Genotyping-by-sequencing generated single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for linkage map construction.
- GLS resistance was assessed using disease incidence, lesion length, and derived traits (AUDPC, AULC) under controlled conditions.
Main Results:
- Twenty QTL associated with GLS resistance traits were identified, explaining 7.6% to 37.2% of phenotypic variation.
- Three potential QTL hotspots were located on linkage groups P2 and P5.
- Two major effect QTL, *glsp2.3* and *glsp5.2*, significantly reduced disease incidence by 20.2%.
Conclusions:
- Identified QTL and associated markers provide valuable tools for marker-assisted selection in St. Augustinegrass breeding.
- Candidate genes encoding β-1,3-glucanases within QTL intervals suggest potential mechanisms for GLS resistance.
- This research facilitates the development of St. Augustinegrass cultivars with improved gray leaf spot resistance.
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