A first linkage map and downy mildew resistance QTL discovery for sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) facilitated by double digestion restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq)

PLoS One. 2017 Sep 18;12(9):e0184319. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184319. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Limited understanding of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genetics and genome structure has reduced efficiency of breeding strategies. This is evidenced by the rapid, worldwide dissemination of basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) in the absence of resistant cultivars. In an effort to improve available genetic resources, expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed and used to genotype the MRI x SB22 F2 mapping population, which segregates for response to downy mildew. SNP markers were generated from genomic sequences derived from double digestion restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). Disomic segregation was observed in both SNP and EST-SSR markers providing evidence of an O. basilicum allotetraploid genome structure and allowing for subsequent analysis of the mapping population as a diploid intercross. A dense linkage map was constructed using 42 EST-SSR and 1,847 SNP markers spanning 3,030.9 cM. Multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) model (MQM) analysis identified three QTL that explained 37-55% of phenotypic variance associated with downy mildew response across three environments. A single major QTL, dm11.1 explained 21-28% of phenotypic variance and demonstrated dominant gene action. Two minor QTL dm9.1 and dm14.1 explained 5-16% and 4-18% of phenotypic variance, respectively. Evidence is provided for an additive effect between the two minor QTL and the major QTL dm11.1 increasing downy mildew susceptibility. Results indicate that ddRADseq-facilitated SNP and SSR marker genotyping is an effective approach for mapping the sweet basil genome.

MeSH terms

  • Disease Resistance / genetics*
  • Genetic Linkage*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing*
  • Ocimum basilicum / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable*

Grants and funding

Funds for this research and in support of a graduate assistantship/doctoral degree for RMP were provided by United States United Department of Agriculture (USDA) Special Crops Research Initiative Award No. 2011-51181-30646. Additional funds were provided by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Award No. 2016-68004-24931, and the Binational Agricultural Research & Development (BARD) Award No. US-4947-16R. We thank the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, the New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service for also providing funds in support of this work (NIFA HATCH project reports NJAES 12131 and 1005685).