3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Abstract: Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae, is one of the most devastating diseases in sesame cultivation, causing significant yield losses. Traditional breeding for resistance is time-consuming, typically taking years to stabilize traits. To overcome these limitations, this study integrated high-throughput molecular marker with speed breeding to accelerate the development of resistant lines. Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis was performed using a mapping population derived from a cross between a resistant and a susceptible cultivar. A major QTL associated with Phytophthora blight resistance was identified on chromosome 10, with a LOD score of 25.67 and explaining 69.35% of the phenotypic variance. The identified genetic loci were successfully converted into Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers, which showed clear polymorphism between the parental lines and exhibited distinct segregation within the population. This  enabled precise genotype identification at the seedling stage. To further expedite the breeding cycle, we established a speed breeding system by optimizing photoperiod and temperature regimes. Under these controlled conditions, the time required for a single generation was significantly reduced to approximately 65 days, enabling 5-6 generations per year, compared to only one generation under conventional field conditions. By applying Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) within this accelerated pipeline, we were able to rapidly fix the resistance alleles in elite backgrounds. This integrated approach is high efficient at shortening the breeding period while maintaining selection accuracy, providing a robust platform for developing disease-resistant sesame cultivars and ensuring stable production.