Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum) in a high-density integrated DArTseq SNP-based genetic map of pea

Pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum) is a damaging insect pest affecting pea (Pisum sativum) production worldwide. No resistant cultivars are available, although some levels of incomplete resistance have been identified in Pisum germplasm. To decipher the genetic control underlying the resistance previously identify in P. sativum ssp. syriacum, a recombinant inbred line (RIL F8:9) population was developed. The RIL was genotyped through Diversity Arrays Technology PL’s DArTseq platform and screened under field conditions for weevil seed infestation and larval development along 5 environments. A newly integrated genetic linkage map was generated with a subset of 6,540 markers, assembled into seven linkage groups, equivalent to the number of haploid pea chromosomes. An accumulated distance of 2,503 cM was covered with an average density of 2.61 markers cM−1. The linkage map allowed the identification of three QTLs associated to reduced seed infestation along LGs I, II and IV. In addition, a QTL for reduced larval development was also identified in LGIV. Expression of these QTLs varied with the environment, being particularly interesting QTL BpSI.III that was detected in most of the environments studied. This high-saturated pea genetic map has also allowed the identification of seven potential candidate genes co-located with QTLs for marker-assisted selection, providing an opportunity for breeders to generate effective and sustainable strategies for weevil control.