A Novel Beta-Glucosidase Gene for Plant Type Was Identified by Genome-Wide Association Study and Gene Co-Expression Analysis in Widespread Bermudagrass

Abstract

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is one of the most widely distributed warm-season grasses globally. The growth habits and plant type of bermudagrass are strongly associated with the applied purpose of the landscape, livestock, and eco-remediation. Therefore, persistent efforts are made to investigate the genetic basis of plant type and growth habits of bermudagrass. Here, we dissect the genetic diversity of 91 wild bermudagrass resources by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) combined with weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA). This work is based on the RNA-seq data and the genome of African bermudagrass (Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy). Sixteen reliable single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in transcribed regions were identified to be associated with the plant height and IAA content in diverse bermudagrass by GWAS. The integration of the results from WGCNA indicates that beta-glucosidase 31 (CdBGLU31) is a candidate gene underlying a G/A SNP signal. Furthermore, both qRT-PCR and correlation coefficient analyses indicate that CdBGLU31 might play a comprehensive role in plant height and IAA biosynthesis and signal. In addition, we observe lower plant height in Arabidopsis bglu11 mutants (homologs of CdBGLU31). It uncovers the breeding selection history of different plant types from diverse bermudagrass and provides new insights into the molecular function of CdBGLU31 both in plant types and in IAA biosynthetic pathways.

Whole‐genome sequencing of allotetraploid bermudagrass reveals the origin of Cynodon and candidate genes for salt tolerance

“…For instance, tetraploid bermudagrass is found globally, demonstrating heterosis and broad adaptability, whereas diploid bermudagrass can be found in small geographic regions, including the southern Transvaal and the northern portion of the central Cape Province of South Africa (Harlan et al., 1970). Due to the heterozygosity and polyploidy of bermudagrass, genetic analysis and SNP marker development have been difficult, and few genes and genetic factors were identified for important traits in previous studies (Gan et al., 2022; Guo et al., 2017). In this study, highly accurate SNP markers were developed by fine mapping following GWAS and allowed us to investigate the genetic basis of a range of traits, especially those related to salt tolerance, which is an important target for improvement in some bermudagrass breeding programs.…”

Low nitrogen stress-induced transcriptome changes revealed the molecular response and tolerance characteristics in maintaining the C/N balance of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

“…BGLU13 is a defense protein that plays a key role in fighting against plant protection from salinity stress (Jia et al, 2019). b-Glucosidases are active in many metabolic processes, such as hydrolysis of derived oligosaccharides on the cell wall, as well as controlling the reactivity and biological activity of plant secondary metabolites and phytohormones, which regulate plant growth and development (Gan et al, 2022).…”

Directional Breeding Generates Distinct Genetic Diversity in Hybrid Turf Bermudagrass as Probed with Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

“…Expressed sequence tag-derived SSR (EST-SSR) markers were also used for genetic linkage mapping of bermudagrass (Harris-Shultz et al 2010). More recently, high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been used to evaluate genetic diversity and identify genes in bermudagrass (Gan et al 2022;Pudzianowska and Baird 2021;Singh et al 2023). With the advancement of marker technology, a more precise understanding of the genetic variations within the species and environmental influences has been achieved and a foundation for molecular breeding applications in bermudagrass has been created.…”