Genome-wide analysis-based single nucleotide polymorphism marker sets to identify diverse genotypes in cabbage cultivars (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Plant variety protection is essential for breeders' rights granted by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. Distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) are necessary for new variety registration; to this end, currently, morphological traits are examined, which is time-consuming and laborious. Molecular markers are more effective, accurate, and stable descriptors of DUS. Advancements in next-generation sequencing technology have facilitated genome-wide identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Here, we developed a core set of single nucleotide polymorphism markers to identify cabbage varieties and traits of test guidance through clustering using the Fluidigm assay, a high-throughput genotyping system. Core sets of 87, 24, and 10 markers are selected based on a genome-wide association-based approach. All core markers could identify 94 cabbage varieties and determine 17 DUS traits. A genotypes database was validated using the Fluidigm platform for variety identification, population structure analysis, cabbage breeding, and DUS testing for plant cultivar protection.

Automated summary

In this study, improvements were made to the investigation method for plant variety protection by utilizing core single nucleotide polymorphism markers in a high-throughput genotyping system. The results showed that the core marker sets could effectively identify different cabbage varieties and traits, and they were used in practical applications in related fields.