Identifying genetic markers for teak resistance to <i>Ceratocystis</i> wilt through associative mapping

Abstract Ceratocystis wilt, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata, is one of the most important problems in teak (Tectona grandis) production, negatively affecting yield and wood quality. In this study, we aimed to use whole-genome sequencing to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with teak resistance to the fungus C. fimbriata in T. grandis. The resistance of 130 teak genotypes to the fungus was evaluated using the bark substitution method, and lesion area was assessed at 120 dpi. Through genotyping-by-sequencing analysis, 1.4 million high-quality SNPs were obtained and used for genome-wide association studies via FarmCPU model. The model demonstrated a good fit for the data and showed high levels of significance for the identified SNP variations. We identified three candidate SNP variations linked to the lesion area trait associated with teak resistance to Ceratocystis wilt. Specifically, one SNP variation is located on pseudochromosome 2, while two SNP variations are found on pseudochromosome 15. These findings can be applied in teak breeding programs aimed at enhancing resistance to the fungus C. fimbriata, either by using resistant clones directly or by incorporating these SNPs as markers for assisted selection in breeding programs.