Identification of two QTLs for web blotch resistance in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) based on BSA-seq

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally important oilseed and cash crop. Web blotch is one of the most important peanut foliar diseases, causing severe yield losses worldwide.

In this study, an F₆ population was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for peanut web blotch resistance, based on bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed and used to further narrow QTL intervals and detect candidate genes. Two major QTLs, qWBRA05 and qWBRA08 were identified, spanning physical intervals of 465.75 Kb and 434.83 Kb, and explaining percentages of phenotypic variation (PVE) of 8.79% and 15.09%, respectively. Moreover, two KASP markers were developed within the QTL interval effectively distinguished between web blotch resistance and web blotch susceptible materials.

The QTLs identified and two molecular markers closely linked to web blotch resistance were developed within the QTL interval, which are potentially valuable in peanut breeding.