Harnessing novel genetic markers for scald resistance from gene bank spring barley genotypes

Background Scald caused by Rhynchosporium graminicola is a common foliar disease affecting barley production worldwide. Identifying and utilizing scald resistance genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) to develop barley cultivars with durable and effective resistance to scald is crucial. Results In the present study, we evaluated 275 spring barley genotypes together with 4 commercial check cultivars under controlled conditions and examined the underlying genetics of scald resistance in these genotypes. A significant genetic variation (P value < 0.0001) for scald resistance was observed among the tested barley germplasms. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified eight markers-trait associations (MTAs) forming seven QTL located on chromosomes 3H, 6H, and 7H, of which three are novel. The allelic effects of these MTAs were further examined, and favorable alleles associated with scald resistance were identified. Conclusions The identification of QTL for scald resistance, along with favorable allele identification, will be crucial for marker-assisted breeding programs. These findings will facilitate the development of new scald-resistant cultivars and contribute to the sustainability of barley production. Further studies, such as fine-mapping of candidate genes within these identified QTL regions, will help to narrow down the potential causative genetic variants and understand their functional effects on scald resistance.