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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Salinas, California » Crop Improvement and Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #328402
Title: Genetic diversity and association analysis of leafminer (Liriomyza langei) resistance in spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Author
item SHI, AINONG - University Of Arkansas
item Mou, Beiquan

Submitted to: Genome
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/20/2016
Publication Date: 8/1/2016
Citation: Shi, A., Mou, B. 2016. Genetic diversity and association analysis of leafminer (Liriomyza langei) resistance in spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Genome. 59:581-588.

Interpretive Summary: Leafminer (Liriomyza spp.) is a major insect pest of many important agricultural crops, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Use of genetic resistance is an efficient, economic and environment-friendly method to control this pest. The objective of this research was to identify molecular markers associated with leafminer resistance in spinach germplasm. A total of 300 USDA spinach germplasm accessions were evaluated for leafminer resistance. DNA sequencing was used for the analysis. The distribution of leafminer resistance showed a wide range from 1.1 to 11.7 stings per square centimeter leaf area, suggesting that the leafminer resistance in spinach is a complex trait, which may be controlled by multiple genes with minor effect. Genetic analysis indicated that five molecular markers were associated with the leafminer resistance with. The molecular markers may be useful for breeders to select plants and lines for leafminer resistance in spinach breeding programs through marker-assisted selection.

Technical Abstract: Leafminer (Liriomyza spp.) is a major insect pest of many important agricultural crops, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Use of genetic resistance is an efficient, economic and environment-friendly method to control this pest. The objective of this research was to conduct association analysis and identify SNP markers associated with leafminer resistance in spinach germplasm. A total of 300 USDA spinach germplasm accessions were used for the association analysis of leafminer resistance. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was used for genotyping and 783 SNPs from GBS were used for association analysis. The distribution of leafminer resistance showed a near normal distribution with a wide range from 1.1 to 11.7 stings per square centimeter leaf area, suggesting that the leafminer resistance in spinach is a complex trait, which may be a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes with minor effect. Association analysis indicated that five SNP markers, AYZV02040968_7171, AYZV02076752_412, AYZV02098618_4615, AYZV02147304_383, and AYZV02271373_398 were associated with the leafminer resistance with a LOD greater than or closed to 2.5. The SNP markers may be useful for breeders to select plants and lines for leafminer resistance in spinach breeding programs through marker-assisted selection.