Quantitative trait loci for leafhopper (Empoasca fabae and Empoasca kraemeri) resistance and seed weight in the common bean

A population of 108 common bean recombinant inbred lines (RILs) (F5:6-9), derived from a leafhopper (Empoasca fabae and E. kraemeri)-susceptible cultivar ('Berna') and a leafhopper-resistant line (EMP 419) was used to identify molecular markers genetically linked to leafhopper resistance and seed weight. Bulked segregant analysis and quantitative trait analysis identified eight markers that were associated with resistance to E. fabae, and four markers that were associated with E. kraemeri resistance. Three markers were associated with resistance to both species. A partial linkage map of the bean genome was constructed. Composite interval mapping identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to both leaf hopper species on core-map linkage groups B1, B3 and B7. QTL for seed weight were found close to the locus controlling testa colour and an alpha-phaseolin gene.