Genome-wide association analysis identified loci and candidate genes linked to Sclerotinia stem rot resistance in turnip rape

Abstract: The study evaluated resistance against Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) in a turnip rape
collection obtained from different gene banks and identified continuous variation in lesion
length suggesting the presence of major quantitative trait loci (QTLs). A genome-wide
association study (GWAS), using 2327 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers
distributed across all chromosomes of turnip rape, detected 9 SNPs on chromosomes A03, A05, and A09 significantly linked to SSR resistance in turnip rape. Close to these SNPs, we identified genes such as Bra01778 whose homolog gene in Arabidopsis (AT4G36750, quinone reductase family protein) is involved in SSR resistance as well as Bra017788, Bra035775, Bra031748, Bra031072 putatively involved in disease resistance response. These findings are crucial input for applying conventional and new breeding methods to improve SSR resistance in turnip rape, thereby contributing to its sustainable cultivation.