Marker-assisted selection and validation of DNA markers associated with cadmium content in durum wheat germplasm

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential heavy metal having toxic effects on all living organisms. Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is widely used in human diets but has the potential to accumulate Cd. It also has a high level of genetic diversity, which may be exploited to develop cultivars with low Cd content. We aimed to perform marker-assisted selection and validate previously identified Cd markers in durum wheat germplasm for use in the investigation of accessions that accumulate low grain Cd content. We assessed 130 durum wheat accessions phenotypically and using three different molecular markers. Grain Cd contents of the studied germplasm varied 4.91-fold (26.2–128.7 μg/kg) with an average of 58.2 μg/kg. Landraces showed lower average values of grain Cd content than cultivars. Three molecular markers (usw47, Cad-5B and KASP marker Cad-5B) were used to differentiate high and low Cd accumulating lines. Results showed high correlation and successfully classified the accessions to the expected high or low Cd level; 87 accessions showed the low Cd alleles, and 43 accessions the high Cd alleles, except for five accessions with the usw47 marker that showed heterozygous status. A significant correlation coefficient (r = 0.944*) was observed among the three molecular markers. Based on molecular markers, 96.2% of the accessions were classified accurately. The KASP assay was highly effective in successfully separating low from high Cd content accessions and could be used as a molecular tool in durum wheat breeding programs, with less cost and time, targeting reduced grain Cd levels. The results of this study will allow durum wheat breeders to accelerate their progress to select suitable genotypes with the desired alleles.

RETRACTED: Interaction between zinc and selenium bio-fortification and toxic metals (loid) accumulation in food crops

“…Three ways are suggested to reduce Cadmium content: 1) overexpression of OsNRAMP5 ; this gene is a transporter in root cells that can increase Cd storage in root and decrease the transport of Cd to shoot, as seen in rice grains ( Yoneyama et al., 2015 ), 2) Using a line or varieties like cultivar Koshihikari (Koshi) in rice that there is low Cd in phloem sap. In these varieties, protease activity reduces Cd in phloem sap ( Kato et al., 2010 ), also, Alsaleh et al. (2022) isolated durum wheat germplasm in terms of Cd accumulation by using KASP as a molecular assay, which helps the breeders to select the desired alleles, 3) silence or elimination of OsNRAMP5 in root membranes, as the role of OsNRAMP5 is acquisition at root cell membranes ( Ishimaru et al., 2012 ).…”

From Grain to Genome: Investigating Arsenic Levels in Triticum turgidum ssp durum Desf. Using GWAS

“…To guarantee precision, the entire sample and standards underwent three repeated measurements. The Digest and As measurement (ICP-MS) procedures were carried out at BİLTEM laboratories at Yozgat Bozok University, Türkiye, as stated by Alsaleh et al (2022b) and Alsaleh (2022c).…”

“…The DNA was subsequently thinned to 10 ng/µl for SSR analysis. This DNA was also utilized in the Cadmium and Platinum investigation by Alsaleh et al (2022b) and Alsaleh (2022c), respectively.…”

Mineral biofortification and metal/metalloid accumulation in food crops: recent research and trends (Part III)

“…Mondal et al (2022) provided a comprehensive review of current knowledge on proteomic, transcriptomic and genomic approaches to metal tolerance in plants along with an extensive discussion on the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms. Evaluating 130 accessions of durum wheat, Alsaleh et al (2022) identified low-Cd genotypes by employing phonotypic (i.e. grain Cd concentration) and genotypic (i.e.…”