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Breeding cowpea for resistance to Striga gesnerioides in the Nigerian dry savannas using marker‐assisted selection
Author(s) -
Omoigui Lucky O.,
Kamara Alpha Y.,
Moukoumbi Yonnele D.,
Ogunkanmi Liasu A.,
Timko Michael P.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
plant breeding
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.583
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1439-0523
pISSN - 0179-9541
DOI - 10.1111/pbr.12475
Subject(s) - striga , biology , backcrossing , agronomy , marker assisted selection , striga hermonthica , cultivar , resistance (ecology) , selection (genetic algorithm) , genetic marker , gene , genetics , sorghum , artificial intelligence , computer science
Historically, conventional breeding has been the primary strategy used to develop a number of Striga ‐resistant varieties currently grown in the Sahel of Western Africa. In this study, we have successfully developed and applied a marker‐assisted selection strategy that employs a single backcross programme to introgress Striga resistance into farmer preferred varieties of cowpea for the Nigeria savannas. In this strategy, we have introduced the Striga resistance gene from the donor parent IT 97K‐499‐35 into an elite farmer preferred cowpea cultivar ‘Borno Brown’. The selected 47 BC 1 F 2 populations confirmed the recombinants with desirable progeny having Striga resistance gene(s). The 28 lines selected in the BC 1 F 2:4 generation with large seed size, brown seed coat colour and carrying marker alleles were evaluated in the field for resistance to Striga resistance. This led to the selection of a number of desirable improved lines that were immune to Striga having local genetic background with higher yield than those of their parents and standard varieties.