GWAS provides biological insights into mechanisms of the parasitic plant (Striga) resistance in sorghum

Kavuluko, J and Kibe, M and Sugut, I and Kibet, W and Masanga, J and Mutinda, S and Wamalwa, M and Magomere, T and Odeny, D A and Runo, S (2021) GWAS provides biological insights into mechanisms of the parasitic plant (Striga) resistance in sorghum. BMC Plant Biology (TSI), 21. pp. 1-15. ISSN 1471-2229

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Abstract

Background Sorghum yields in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are greatly reduced by parasitic plants of the genus Striga (witchweed). Vast global sorghum genetic diversity collections, as well as the availability of modern sequencing technologies, can be potentially harnessed to effectively manage the parasite. Results We used laboratory assays – rhizotrons to screen a global sorghum diversity panel to identify new sources of resistance to Striga; determine mechanisms of resistance, and elucidate genetic loci underlying the resistance using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). New Striga resistant sorghum determined by the number, size and biomass of parasite attachments were identified. Resistance was by; i) mechanical barriers that blocked parasite entry, ii) elicitation of a hypersensitive reaction that interfered with parasite development, and iii) the inability of the parasite to develop vascular connections with hosts. Resistance genes underpinning the resistance corresponded with the resistance mechanisms and included pleiotropic drug resistance proteins that transport resistance molecules; xylanase inhibitors involved in cell wall fortification and hormonal regulators of resistance response, Ethylene Response Factors. Conclusions Our findings are of fundamental importance to developing durable and broad-spectrum resistance against Striga and have far-reaching applications in many SSA countries where Striga threatens the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers that rely on sorghum as a food staple.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Research Program : East & Southern Africa
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), Parasitic plants, S. hermonthica (Striga), Striga resistance, Sorghum diversity panel
Subjects:	Mandate crops > Sorghum Others > Genetics and Genomics
Depositing User:	Mr Nagaraju T
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2025 03:11
Last Modified:	15 Jan 2025 03:11
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/12904
Official URL:	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12870-0...
Projects:	Multi Disciplinary Research Projects program
Funders:	The National Research Fund (NRF) of Kenya, Kenyatta University, Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)
Acknowledgement:	We would like to acknowledge the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) through Dr. Eric Manyasa for availing the sorghum germplasm used in this project.
Links:	Google Scholar

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