Genetic Analyses of Resistance to Fusarium Basal Rot in Onion

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) is a serious disease of onion (Allium cepa). We identified sources of FBR resistance, assessed efficacy of selection for increased resistance, and investigated its genetic control. Onion accessions were evaluated for FBR resistance, and percentage survival ranged from 0% to 78%. Survivors were intercrossed, and progenies from one cycle of selection showed increased survival by 18% to 52%. Selections were crossed to male-sterile lines, and hybrids showed specific combining ability for FBR resistance. Segregating families were produced, and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified on chromosomes 2 and 4 conditioning FBR resistance. A second QTL on chromosome 4 was identified that decreased FBR resistance. Plants from families with different genotypes across the 1.5 logarithm of odds (LOD) regions on chromosomes 2 and 4 were self-pollinated, and resulting families were evaluated for FBR survival. Genomic regions on chromosomes 2 and 4 associated with resistance were validated at p = 0.05 and 0.10, respectively. The region on chromosome 4 associated with increased susceptibility was validated at p = 0.05. These results are in agreement with previous studies reporting high heritability and specific combining ability for FBR resistance and should be useful for selection of FBR-resistant onion.

Automated summary

This study successfully validated onion resistance to Fusarium basal rot through genetic analysis and selective breeding. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) regulating resistance were identified, and genomic regions associated with resistance on chromosomes 2 and 4 were validated. A QTL that decreased resistance was also discovered.