Development of an SNP-based high-density linkage map and QTL analysis for bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) resistance in black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Black gram (Vigna mungo var. mungo) is an important pulse crop in Asia. The cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) is a stored-seed insect pest (seed weevil/bruchid) that causes serious postharvest losses in pulse crops, including black gram. In this study, we constructed a high-density linkage map for black gram and identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for C. maculatus resistance. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 150 lines from a cross between BC48 [cultivated black gram (var. mungo); bruchid-susceptible] and TC2210 [wild black gram (var. silvestris); bruchid-resistant] were used to construct a linkage map of 3,675 SNP markers from specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing. The map comprised 11 linkage groups spanning 1,588.7 cM with an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.57 cM. Seeds of the RIL population grown in 2016 and 2017 were evaluated for C. maculatus resistance through two traits; the percentage of damaged seeds (PDS) and infestation severity progress (AUDPS). Inclusive composite interval mapping identified three QTLs each for PDS and AUDPS. Two QTLs, qVmunBr6.1 and qVmunBr6.2, mapped about 10 cM apart on linkage group 6 were common between PDS and AUDPS. Comparative genome analysis revealed that qVmunBr6.1 and qVmunBr6.2 are new loci for C. maculatus resistance in Vigna species and that genes encoding a lectin receptor kinase and chitinase are candidates for qVmunBr6.2. The high-density linkage map constructed and QTLs for bruchid resistance identified in this study will be useful for molecular breeding of black gram.