Genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Striga hermonthica and S. asiatica resistance in tropical and sub-tropical maize populations.

Background: Genetic improvement for Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) resistance is the most economical and effective control method to enhance the productivity of maize and other major cereal crops. Hence, identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with Striga resistance and economic traits will guide the pace and precision of resistance breeding in maize.

Genetic diversity analysis of tropical and sub-tropical maize germplasm for Striga resistance and agronomic traits with SNP markers.

Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) are major parasitic weeds limiting cereal crop production and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Under severe infestation, Striga causes yield losses of up to 100%.

Genetic resources and breeding of maize for resistance: a review.

The potential yield of maize ( L.) and other major crops is curtailed by several biotic, abiotic, and socio-economic constraints. Parasitic weeds, spp.

Genome-wide association mapping for component traits of drought tolerance in dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Understanding the genetic basis of traits of economic importance under drought stressed and well-watered conditions is important in enhancing genetic gains in dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This research aims to: (i) identify markers associated with agronomic and physiological traits for drought tolerance and (ii) identify drought-related putative candidate genes within the mapped genomic regions.

Genetic diversity and grouping of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan Millspaugh] Germplasm using SNP markers and agronomic traits.

Knowledge of genetic interrelationships and grouping among pigeonpea germplasm collections is fundamental to selecting breeding parents with unique genetic constitutions. The objectives of this study were to assess the genetic diversity and genetic grouping present among 81 pigeonpea genotypes collected from Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya using 4122 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and complementary morphological traits. The SNP markers and phenotypic traits revealed significant genetic variation among the assessed genotypes.

Genetic diversity analysis of East African sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) germplasm collections for agronomic and nutritional quality traits.

Breeding for climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutrient-rich sorghum cultivars is essential for sustainable food systems and enhanced livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the genetic diversity among East African sorghum germplasm collections through agronomic and nutritional quality traits to select promising lines for direct production or breeding. A collection of 348 sorghum germplasm was field evaluated at two locations in Uganda using an augmented design, and grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents were profiled.

Assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of groundnut germplasm collections using phenotypic traits and SNP markers: Implications for drought tolerance breeding.

Profiling the genetic composition and relationships among groundnut germplasm collections is essential for the breeding of new cultivars. The objectives of this study were to assess the genetic diversity and population structure among 100 improved groundnut genotypes using agronomic traits and high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The genotypes were evaluated for agronomic traits and drought tolerance at the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)/India across two seasons.

Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Ethiopian Sesame ( L.) Germplasm Assessed through Phenotypic Traits and Simple Sequence Repeats Markers.

Ethiopia is one of the centers of genetic diversity of sesame ( L.). The sesame genetic resources present in the country should be explored for local, regional, and international genetic improvement programs to design high-performing and market-preferred varieties.

Genome-wide association analysis of bean fly resistance and agro-morphological traits in common bean.

The bean fly (Ophiomyia spp) is a key insect pest causing significant crop damage and yield loss in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., 2n = 2x = 22). Development and deployment of agronomic superior and bean fly resistant common bean varieties aredependent on genetic variation and the identification of genes and genomic regions controlling economic traits.

Variation in mineral element composition of landrace taro () corms grown under dryland farming system in South Africa.

Taro [ (L.) Schott] has the potential to address food and nutrition insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the nutrient content of taro is yet to be fully elucidated.

Population structure and genetic diversity analyses of common bean germplasm collections of East and Southern Africa using morphological traits and high-density SNP markers.

Knowledge of genetic diversity in plant germplasm and the relationship between genetic factors and phenotypic expression is vital for crop improvement. This study's objectives were to understand the extent of genetic diversity and population structure in 60 common bean genotypes from East and Southern Africa. The common bean genotypes exhibited significant (p<0.

Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Pigeonpea [ (L.) Millsp] Accessions Using SSR Markers.

Understanding the genetic diversity present amongst crop genotypes is an efficient utilization of germplasm for genetic improvement. The present study was aimed at evaluating genetic diversity and population structure of 48 pigeonpea genotypes from four populations collected from diverse sources. The 48 pigeonpea entries were genotyped using 33 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers that are polymorphic to assess molecular genetic diversity and genetic relatedness.

Assessing the genetic diversity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] germplasm collections using phenotypic traits and SNP markers.

Background: Productivity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] in sub-Sahara Africa is curtailed by a lack of farmer-preferred and improved cultivars and modern production technologies. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of genetic diversity present among a collection of cowpea accessions from Zambia and Malawi using phenotypic traits and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and, to select distinct and complementary parental lines for cultivar development.

Genome-wide association study of drought tolerance and biomass allocation in wheat.

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) are important in discerning the genetic architecture of complex traits such as biomass allocation for improving drought tolerance and carbon sequestration potential of wheat. The objectives of this study were to deduce the population structure and marker-trait association for biomass traits in wheat under drought-stressed and non-stressed conditions. A 100-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.