Resistance Against Cassava Brown Streak Viruses From Africa in Cassava Germplasm From South America

Abstract

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a severe virus disease of cassava and prevalent in the eastern regions of Africa. The disease is characterized by distinct vein chlorosis and streak symptoms on leaves and stems and necrosis of storage roots. This necrosis can encompass large areas of the root, rendering it inedible so that the entire cassava harvest can be lost. African cassava varieties are susceptible to either of the two viruses causing the disease, cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Uganda cassava brown streak virus, and while there are less sensitive varieties, all cassava eventually succumb to the disease. The lack of CBSD resistance in African cassava varieties prompted this search for new sources of virus resistance in the diversity of South American cassava germplasm held in the collection at International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Columbia. Our search for CBSD resistance in South American cassava germplasm accessions revealed that most of the 238 South American cassava lines infected with CBSV established systemic virus infections with moderate to severe disease symptoms on leaves and stems. Fifteen cassava accessions did not become virus infected, remained free of symptoms, and CBSV was undetected by qRT-PCR. When tuberous roots of those lines were examined, necrotic tissue was found in eight lines and CBSV was detected. The remaining seven cassava accessions remained clear of symptoms on all tissues and organs and were virus free. A broad spectrum of virus resistance also including other virus isolates was confirmed for the breeding lines DSC167 and DSC118. While detailed infection experiments with other cassava lines selected for resistance are still ongoing, this indicates that the resistance identified may also hold against a broader diversity of CBSVs. Taken together, we present the results of a comprehensive study on CBSV resistance and susceptibility in cassava germplasm accessions from South America. The virus resistance in cassava germplasm identified provides compelling evidence for the invaluable contribution of germplasm collections to supply the genetic resources for the improvement of our crops.

Genetic analysis and QTL mapping for multiple biotic stress resistance in cassava

“…: Chromosome number; P: Position; LOD: Logarithm of odds, aF and aM: additive effects of Female and Male, respectively; d: dominance effect; PVE: Phenotypic variance explained; QTL name designated as described by Masumba et al . [ 29 ]; Phenotype data nomenclature was named in combination of the location and year such as Naliendele (NAL) and Chambezi (CHA), and the year of 2013 (13) and 2014 (14). SNP marker names are as per Manihot esculenta v5.1 reference genome.…”

“…Studies to identify QTL associated with resistance to CBSD foliar symptoms and root necrosis have been conducted using biparental populations derived from Tanzanian landraces [26,27] and a Ugandan breeding population [28]. Here we utilized a source of germplasm from South America where additional sources of resistance, and even immunity, to CBSD have recently been identified [29].…”

“…Logarithm of odds, aF and aM: additive effects of Female and Male, respectively; d: dominance effect; PVE: Phenotypic variance explained; QTL name designated as described by Masumba et al[29]; Phenotype data nomenclature was named in combination of the location and year such linkage map is not consistent with that on v5.1 of the physical map). Only major QTL qCMDc12.1AA was co-localized at both 3 and 6 MAP stage.…”

Excellence in Cassava Breeding: Perspectives for the Future

“…Several accessions from CIAT's germplasm collection were found to be immune to CBSD [108]. This is the first time such strong type of resistance has been reported for CBSD.…”

“…Genotype-by-environment interactions are important and different virus species have been linked to the occurrence of CBSD symptoms [68,98,107,108]. The degree of resistance to CBSD is not as clear or stable as that observed for CMD2 against CMD.…”