Combined use of bulked segregant analysis and microarrays reveals SNP markers pinpointing a major QTL for resistance to Phytophthora capsici in pepper

Pkytophthora capsici L. is one of the most destructive pathogens of pepper (Capsicum spp.). Resist­ ance of pepper against P. capsici is controlled by quantitative trait loci (QlL), including a major Q1L on chromo­ some 5 that is the predominant contributor to resistance. Here, to maximize the effect of this QlL and study its underlying genes, an F2 population and recombinant inbred lines were inoculated with P. capsici strain JHAil-7 zoospores at a low concentration (3 x 103 phenotype segregation ratios for the populations fit a 3:1 and 1:1 (resistant:susceptible) segregation model, respectively, consistent with a single dominant gene model. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) using Affymetrix Gene­ Chips revealed a single position polymorphism (SPP) marker mapping to the major QlL. When this SPP marker (Phyto5SAR) together with other SNP markers located on chromosome 5 was used to confirm the position of the major QlL, Phyto5SAR showed the highest WD value at the Q1L. A scaffold sequence (scaffold194) containing Phyto5SAR was identified from the C. annuum genome database. The scaffold contained two putative NBS-LRR genes and one SAR 8.2A gene as candidates for contributing to P. capsici resistance. Markers linked to these genes were developed and validated by testing 100 F1 commercial cultivars. Among the markers, Phyto5NBS1 showed about 90 % accuracy in predicting resistance phenotypes to a low-virulence P. capsici isolate. These results suggest that Phyto5NBS1 is a reliable marker for P. capsici resistance and can be used for identification of a gene(s) underlying the major Q1L on chromosome 5

Lifestyle: Substance Use—Nicotine, Alcohol and Drugs

Use of substances including alcohol, tobacco and drugs is common in people of reproductive age, can lead to dependence and is a major global health concern. Despite targeted public health policies and campaigns, population surveys (National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) 2020; European Drug Report 2019) continue to highlight widespread use of substances, often in combination, which have substantial negative implications for health in general and the potential to harm future generations (Stephenson et al. 2018). Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the complex psychological, physiological and social factors that may be linked to substance use and be prepared to offer counselling and referral for specialist services. Pregnancy, however, can be a ‘window of opportunity’ and a motivating factor for women and their partners to change their behaviour and minimise risk with help to quit or cut down on substance use (Solomon and Quinn 2004). Preconception care offers the opportunity to further reduce risk by helping to modify consumption prior to pregnancy