Developing dual-resistant cassava to the two major viral diseases

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) are the two important biotic constraints affecting cassava production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Deployment of cassava varieties dually resistant to both diseases is the most effective and realistic way of reducing losses to African farmers. Crosses were carried out between the Tanzanian local cassava variety Namikonga (CBSD resistant/CMD susceptible) with an introduced cassava germplasm AR37-80 (CBSD susceptible/CMD resistant) from South America to develop dually resistant F1 progenies and they were evaluated for 2 seasons at Naliendele in Southern Tanzania which is a CMD and CBSD hotspot area. CMD-resistant progenies had low foliar severities (≤ 1.8 on a five-point scale) similar to CMD resistant parent. CBSD resistant progenies had minimal foliar severity (≤2.0) and root necrosis (≤1.2) similar to the CBSD resistant parent while CBSD tolerant progenies had severe foliar severity of up to 3.3 but minimal root severity (≤ 1.2). Traits with minimal environmental influence also had high heritability (≥0.65) and high selection accuracy (≥0.70) and they included CMD foliar symptoms, CBSD foliar symptoms at 6 MAP, root necrosis, root necrosis incidence, root weight, root number per plant, and harvest index. Correlation analysis showed that the presence of diseases reduces usable roots, root weight, root number per plant, and harvest index. Dual resistance can improve yield as observed in the progenies, Namar 050 and Namar 371 which had high root weights of 27.5 t/ha and 28.2 t/ha with high genetic gains of 56.1% and 58.5%, respectively. Dual resistant progenies identified were Namar 050, Namar 100, Namar 130, Namar 200, Namar 334, Namar 371, and Namar 479 as they had minimal CMD and CBSD symptoms severity (≤ 2.0) and could be used for breeding cassava varieties with superior characteristics

High-resolution linkage map and chromosome-scale genome assembly for cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) from 10 populations

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major staple crop in Africa, Asia, and South America, and its starchy roots provide nourishment for 800 million people worldwide. Although native to South America, cassava was brought to Africa 400–500 years ago and is now widely cultivated across sub-Saharan Africa, but it is subject to biotic and abiotic stresses. To assist in the rapid identification of markers for pathogen resistance and crop traits, and to accelerate breeding programs, we generated a framework map for M. esculenta Crantz from reduced representation sequencing [genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)]. The composite 2412-cM map integrates 10 biparental maps (comprising 3480 meioses) and organizes 22,403 genetic markers on 18 chromosomes, in agreement with the observed karyotype. We used the map to anchor 71.9% of the draft genome assembly and 90.7% of the predicted protein-coding genes. The chromosome-anchored genome sequence will be useful for breeding improvement by assisting in the rapid identification of markers linked to important traits, and in providing a framework for genomic selectionenhanced breeding of this important crop.Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Grant OPPGD1493. University of Arizona. CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers, and Bananas. Next Generation Cassava Breeding grant OPP1048542 from BMGF and the United Kingdom Department for International Development. BMGF grant OPPGD1016 to IITA. National Institutes of Health S10 Instrumentation Grants S10RR029668 and S10RR027303.http://www.g3journal.orghb201

QTL mapping for pest and disease resistance in cassava and coincidence with some introgression regions derived from M. glaziovii

Open Access Journal; Published online: 21 July 2017Genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), cassava mosaic disease (CMD), and cassava green mite (CGM) was performed using an F1 cross developed between the Tanzanian landrace, Kiroba, and a breeding line, AR37-80. The population was evaluated for two consecutive years in two sites in Tanzania. A genetic linkage map was derived from 106 F1 progeny and 1,974 SNP markers and spanned 18 chromosomes covering a distance of 1,698 cM. Fifteen significant QTL were identified; two are associated with CBSD root necrosis only, and were detected on chromosomes V and XII, while seven were associated with CBSD foliar symptoms only and were detected on chromosomes IV, VI, XVII, and XVIII. QTL on chromosomes 11 and 15 were associated with both CBSD foliar and root necrosis symptoms. Two QTL were found to be associated with CMD and were detected on chromosomes XII and XIV, while two were associated with CGM and were identified on chromosomes V and X. There are large Manihot glaziovii introgression regions in Kiroba on chromosomes I, XVII, and XVIII. The introgression segments on chromosomes XVII and XVIII overlap with QTL associated with CBSD foliar symptoms. The introgression region on chromosome I is of a different haplotype to the characteristic “Amani haplotype” found in the landrace Namikonga and others, and unlike some other genotypes, Kiroba does not have a large introgression block on chromosome IV. Kiroba is closely related to a sampled Tanzanian “tree cassava.” This supports the observation that some of the QTL associated with CBSD resistance in Kiroba are different to those observed in another variety, Namikonga

Genetic analysis and QTL mapping for multiple biotic stress resistance in cassava.

In Sub-Saharan Africa cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most important food crops where more than 40% of the population relies on it as their staple carbohydrate source. Biotic constraints such as viral diseases, mainly Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), and arthropod pests, particularly Cassava Green Mite (CGM), are major constraints to the realization of cassava's full production potential in Africa. To address these problems, we aimed to map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to CBSD foliar and root necrosis symptoms, foliar CMD and CGM symptoms in a full-sib mapping population derived from the genotypes AR40-6 and Albert. A high-density linkage map was constructed with 2,125 SNP markers using a genotyping-by-sequencing approach. For phenotyping, clonal evaluation trials were conducted with 120 F1 individuals for two consecutive field seasons using an alpha-lattice design at Chambezi and Naliendele, Tanzania. Previously identified QTL for resistance to CBSD foliar symptoms were corroborated, and a new putative QTL for CBSD root necrosis identified (qCBSDRNc14AR) from AR40-6. Two QTL were identified within the region of the previously recognized CMD2 locus from this population in which both parents are thought to possess the CMD2 locus. Interestingly, a minor but consistent QTL, qCGM18AR, for CGM resistance at 3 months after planting stage was also detected and co-localized with a previously identified SSR marker, NS346, linked with CGM resistance. Markers underlying these QTL may be used to increase efficiencies in cassava breeding programs

Candidate genes for field resistance to cassava brown streak disease revealed through the analysis of multiple data sources

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a food and industrial storage root crop with substantial potential to contribute to managing risk associated with climate change due to its inherent resilience and in providing a biodegradable option in manufacturing. In Africa, cassava production is challenged by two viral diseases, cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease. Here we detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with CBSD in a biparental mapping population of a Tanzanian landrace, Nachinyaya and AR37-80, phenotyped in two locations over three years. The purpose was to use the information to ultimately facilitate either marker-assisted selection or adjust weightings in genomic selection to increase the efficiency of breeding. Results from this study were considered in relation to those from four other biparental populations, of similar genetic backgrounds, that were phenotyped and genotyped simultaneously. Further, we investigated the co-localization of QTL for CBSD resistance across populations and the genetic relationships of parents based on whole genome sequence information. Two QTL on chromosome 4 for resistance to CBSD foliar symptoms and one on each of chromosomes 11 and 18 for root necrosis were of interest. Of significance within the candidate genes underlying the QTL on chromosome 4 are Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) genes and three PEPR1-related kinases associated with the lignin pathway. In addition, a CCR gene was also underlying the root necrosis-resistant QTL on chromosome 11. Upregulation of key genes in the cassava lignification pathway from an earlier transcriptome study, including PAL and CCR, in a CBSD-resistant landrace compared to a susceptible landrace suggests a higher level of basal lignin deposition in the CBSD-resistant landrace. Earlier RNAscope®in situ hybridisation imaging experiments demonstrate that cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) is restricted to phloem vessels in CBSV-resistant varieties, and phloem unloading for replication in mesophyll cells is prevented. The results provide evidence for the involvement of the lignin pathway. In addition, five eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) genes associated with plant virus resistance were found within the priority QTL regions

Sequencing wild and cultivated cassava and related species reveals extensive interspecific hybridization and genetic diversity.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) provides calories and nutrition for more than half a billion people. It was domesticated by native Amazonian peoples through cultivation of the wild progenitor M. esculenta ssp. flabellifolia and is now grown in tropical regions worldwide. Here we provide a high-quality genome assembly for cassava with improved contiguity, linkage, and completeness; almost 97% of genes are anchored to chromosomes. We find that paleotetraploidy in cassava is shared with the related rubber tree Hevea, providing a resource for comparative studies. We also sequence a global collection of 58 Manihot accessions, including cultivated and wild cassava accessions and related species such as Ceará or India rubber (M. glaziovii), and genotype 268 African cassava varieties. We find widespread interspecific admixture, and detect the genetic signature of past cassava breeding programs. As a clonally propagated crop, cassava is especially vulnerable to pathogens and abiotic stresses. This genomic resource will inform future genome-enabled breeding efforts to improve this staple crop