Genome-wide association mapping and genomic prediction unravels CBSD resistance in a Manihot esculenta breeding population

Abstract

Cassava, a key carbohydrate dietary source for millions of people in Africa, faces severe yield loses due to two viral diseases: cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD). The completion of the cassava genome sequence and the whole genome marker profiling of clones from African breeding programs provides cassava breeders the opportunity to deploy additional breeding strategies and develop superior varieties with both farmer and industry preferred traits. Here the identification of genomic segments associated with resistance to CBSD foliar symptoms and root necrosis as measured in 2 breeding panels at different growth stages and locations is reported. This work is part of the “Next Generation Cassava Breeding Project” which is supported by the UK Department for International Development, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation