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Genome-Wide Association Study for Markers Related to Protein, Fiber (ADF and NDF) and Oil Content in Winter Oilseed Rape Seeds (Brassica napus L.)
Seed biochemical composition critically influences the quality and industrial value of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Understanding the genetic basis of seed oil, protein, and fiber content is essential for breeding improved cultivars. Here we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 350 diverse winter oilseed rape lines over three years, using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure seed traits and SNP genotyping for association mapping. We identified numerous SNP markers significantly associated with seed oil, protein, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. From 18,566 detected SNPs, 3782 met stringent criteria and were used for association mapping, resulting in 3189 significant associations across three years. The highest number of associations was observed for protein (3480), followed by NDF (3662), ADF (3422), and oil (2046). Individual markers explained up to 35% of phenotypic variation, indicating strong genetic control of these traits. Gene ontology enrichment analyses linked candidate genes to key metabolic and regulatory pathways influencing these traits: protein biosynthesis and post-translational modification, lipid metabolism regulated by phosphorylation, and transcriptional control of cell wall polysaccharide synthesis. These findings provide valuable molecular markers that can be validated for further use in marker-assisted selection, supporting the development of rapeseed cultivars with optimized seed quality for food, feed, and industrial applications.
Associative and Physical Mapping of Markers Related to Fusarium in Maize Resistance, Obtained by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
On the basis of studies carried out in the last few years, it is estimated that maize diseases cause yield losses of up to 30% each year. The most dangerous diseases are currently considered to be caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium, which are the main culprits of root rot, ear rots, and stalk rot. Early plant infection causes grain diminution, as well as a significant deterioration in nutritional value and fodder quality due to the presence of harmful mycotoxins. Therefore, the aim of the research was to identify new markers of the SilicoDArT and SNP type, which could be used for the mass selection of varieties resistant to fusarium. The plant material consisted of 186 inbred maize lines. The lines came from experimental plots belonging to two Polish breeding companies: Plant Breeding Smolice Ltd., (Co., Kobylin, Poland). Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute—National Research Institute Group (51°41′23.16″ N, 17°4′18.241″ E), and Małopolska Plant Breeding Kobierzyce, Poland Ltd., (Co., Kobierzyce, Poland) (50°58′19.411″ N, 16°55′47.323″ E). As a result of next-generation sequencing, a total of 81,602 molecular markers were obtained, of which, as a result of the associative mapping, 2962 (321 SilicoDArT and 2641 SNP) significantly related to plant resistance to fusarium were selected. Out of 2962 markers significantly related to plant resistance in the fusarium, seven markers (SilicoDArT, SNP) were selected, which were significant at the level of 0.001. They were used for physical mapping. As a result of the analysis, it was found that two out of seven selected markers (15,097—SilicoDArT and 58,771—SNP) are located inside genes, on chromosomes 2 and 3, respectively. Marker 15,097 is anchored to the gene encoding putrescine N-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase while marker 58,771 is anchored to the gene encoding the peroxidase precursor 72. Based on the literature data, both of these genes may be associated with plant resistance to fusarium. Therefore, the markers 15,097 (SilicoDArT) and 58,771 (SNP) can be used in breeding programs to select lines resistant to fusarium.