Detection of linked QTL for soybean brown stem rot resistance in 'BSR 101' as expressed in a growth chamber environment

The objective of this study was to map the gene(s) conferring resistance to brown stem rot in the soybean cultivar BSR 101. A population of 320 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) was derived from a cross of BSR 101 and PI 437.654. Seedlings of each RIL and parent were inoculated by injecting stems with a suspension of spores and mycelia of Phialophora gregata, incubated in a growth chamber at 17 degrees C, and assessed for resistance by monitoring the development of foliar and stem symptoms. The population also was evaluated with 146 RFLPs, 760 AFLPs, and 4 probes for resistance gene analogs (RGAs). Regression analysis identified a significant association between resistance and several markers on Linkage Group J of the USDA-ARS molecular marker linkage map. Interval analysis with Mapmaker QTL identified a major peak between marker RGA2V-1 and AFLP marker AAGATG 152M on Linkage Group J. A second peak, associated only with stem symptoms, was identified between the RFLP B122I-1 and RGA2V-1, also on Linkage Group J. When composite interval mapping with QTL Cartographer was used, two linked QTL were identified with both foliar and stem disease assessment methods: a major QTL between AFLP markers AAGATG152E and ACAAGT260, and a minor QTL between RGA3I-3 and RGA3I-2, These results demonstrate that composite interval mapping gives increased precision over interval mapping and is capable of distinguishing two linked QTL. The minor QTL associated with the cluster of RGA3I loci is of special interest because it is the first example of a disease resistance QTL associated with a resistance gene analog.