Genome-wide association and segregation analysis uncover SNPs linked to stalk rot resistance in maize, suggesting new breeding targets.
Key Points
Increased gene expression of specific loci linked to disease resistance was observed in resistant maize lines, indicating a potential pathway for enhancing stalk strength.
Twenty SNPs associated with stalk fiber traits were identified, with candidate loci crucial for understanding maize's disease defense mechanisms.
Analysis employed involved genome-wide association studies and bulked segregation analysis to pinpoint genetic controls over stalk rot susceptibility.
Results emphasize the need for further exploration of regulatory genes for breeding disease-resistant maize varieties with improved fiber composition.