Genetic linkage map and QTL analysis of partial resistance to black stem in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Black stem, caused by Phoma macdonaldii, is one of the most important diseases of sunflower in the world. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) implicated in partial resistance to three isolates of P. macdonaldii including MA6, MP6 and MP10 were investigated using F2/F3 population from the cross between sunflower resistant mutant line ‘M6-54-1’ and susceptible inbred line ‘ENSAT-B4’. A genetic linkage map was constructed with 88 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and 44 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers using 101 F2 individuals. The map comprises 17 linkage groups (LGs) with an overall length of 1,490 cM and mean density of one marker per 12.44 cM. Parental lines and their 101 F3 families were evaluated for their resistance to P. macdonalii isolates in controlled conditions in a randomized complete block design with three replications. High genetic variability and transgressive segregation were observed among F3 families for partial resistance to all of three P. macdonaldii isolates. Composite interval mapping analysis revealed 14 putative QTLs, localized on seven linkage groups, with phenotypic variance ranging from 4 to 42 %. The QTL bsrMP6.8.1 was detected as non isolate-specific QTL and the rest of them were ‘isolate-specific’ QTLs. The major QTL on LG8 which was involved in partial resistance to three isolates could be good candidate to introduce resistance to three P. macdonaldii isolates into elite sunflower breeding lines via marker assisted breeding program.