Novel SNPs Linked to Blast Resistance Genes Identified in Pearl Millet Through Genome-Wide Association Models

Foliar blast, caused by Pyricularia grisea, poses a major challenge to pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) production, leading to severe yield losses, particularly in rainfed ecologies. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic basis of blast resistance through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 281 diverse pearl millet inbreds. GWAS panel was phenotyped for blast resistance against three distinct isolates of P. grisea collected from Delhi, Gujarat, and Rajasthan locations, revealing a significant variability with 16.7% of the inbreds showing high resistance. Bayesian information and linkage disequilibrium iteratively nested keyway (BLINK) and Multi-Locus Mixed Model (MLMM) models using transformed means identified 68 significant SNPs linked to resistance, with hotspots for resistance-related genes on chromosomes 1, 2, and 6. These regions harbor genes involved in defense mechanisms, including immune response, stress tolerance, signal transduction, transcription regulation, and pathogen defense. Genes, namely 14-3-3-like proteins RGA2, RGA4, hypersensitive-induced response proteins, NHL3, NBS-LRR, LRR-RLK, LRRNT_2, and various transcription factors such as AP2/ERF and WRKY, played a crucial role in the stress-responsive pathways. Analyses of transporter proteins, redox processes, and structural proteins revealed additional mechanisms contributing to blast resistance. This study offers valuable insights into the complex genetic architecture of blast resistance in pearl millet, offering a solid foundation for marker-assisted breeding programs and gene-editing experiments.