Using NGS Technology and Association Mapping to Identify Candidate Genes Associated with Fusarium Stalk Rot Resistance

Stalk rot caused by Fusarium fungi is one of the most widespread and devastating diseases of maize, and the introduction of resistant genotypes is one of the most effective strategies for controlling the disease. Breeding genotypes with genetically determined resistance will also allow less use of crop protection products. The aim of the research was to identify molecular markers and associated candidate genes determining maize plant resistance to Fusarium stalk rot. The plant material for this study consisted of 122 maize hybrids. The experiment was conducted in two localities: Smolice and Kobierzyce. The Fusarium stalk rot values ranged from 1.65% (for genotype G01.10) to 31.18% (for genotype G03.07) in Kobierzyce and from 0.00% (for 58 genotypes) to 6.36% (G05.03) in Smolice. The analyzed genotypes were simultaneously subjected to next-generation sequencing using the Illumina platform. Illumina sequencing identified 60,436 SilicoDArT markers and 32,178 SNP markers (92,614 in total). For association mapping, 32,900 markers (26,234 SilicoDArT and 6666 SNP) meeting the criteria (MAF > 0.25 and the number of missing observations <10%) were used. The results of the observation of the degree of infection and sequencing were used for association mapping, which ultimately resulted in the selection of ten molecular markers important at both places. Among the identified markers, two SNP markers that are located inside candidate genes play an important role. Marker 4772836 is located inside the serine/threonine-protein kinase bsk3 gene, while marker 4765764 is located inside the histidine kinase 1 gene. Both genes can be associated with plant resistance to Fusarium stalk rot, and these genes can also be used in breeding programs to select resistant varieties.