Scientific Publication

Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Correlated Traits in Cassava: Dry Matter and Total Carotenoid Content

Abstract

Cassava is a starchy root crop cultivated in the tropics for fresh consumption and commercial processing. Primary selection objectives in cassava breeding include dry matter content and micronutrient density, particularly provitamin A carotenoids. These traits are negatively correlated in the African germplasm. This study aimed at identifying genetic markers associated with these traits and uncovering whether linkage and/or pleiotropy were responsible for observed negative correlation. A genome-wide association mapping using 672 clones genotyped at 72,279 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci was performed. 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