Identification of genes associated with Striga resistance is invaluable for accelerating genetic gains in breeding for Striga resistance in maize. We conducted a genome-wide association study to identify genomic regions associated with grain yield and other agronomic traits under artificial Striga field infestation. One hundred and forty-one extra-early quality protein maize inbred lines were phenotyped for key agronomic traits. The inbred lines were also genotyped using 49,185 DArTseq markers from which 8,143 were retained for population structure analysis and genome wide-association study. Cluster analysis and population structure revealed the presence of 3 well-defined genetic groups. Using the mixed linear model, 22 SNP markers were identified to be significantly associated with grain yield, Striga damage at 10 weeks after planting, number of emerged Striga plants at 8 and 10 weeks after planting and ear aspect. The identified SNP markers would be useful for breeders for marker-assisted selection to accelerate the genetic enhancement of maize for Striga resistance in sub-Saharan Africa after validation.

https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkac237

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BAFFOUR BADU-APRAKUhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0113-5487

Paterne AGREhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-1231-2530

Queen Nkem Offornedohttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1317-219X

https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkac237

Biotech and Plant Breeding

Agronomy; Climate Change; Food Security; Maize; Plant Breeding; Plant Production

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism; Striga Hermonthica; Marker-Assisted Selection; Maize; Climate Change; Food Security

Africa; West Africa

Nigeria

Headquarters and Western Africa Hub

G3-Genes Genomes Genetics