Identification of QTLs for carotene content in the genome of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and S1 population validation

The β-carotene content in cassava is important to reach supply vitamin deficiencies, in regions where this is the main source of food. The families used for molecular analysis of carotenoid content were: GM708, GM734 and CM9816. We used Bulk Segregant Analysis (Bulked Segregant Analysis, BSA) for evaluation of 800 microsatellite markers, to determine the association with de color of the rootparenchyma was a correlation analysis and simple regression between phenotypic and genotypic data from each marker. An analysis was made of QTLs with these families and validated its presence in S1 progenies. We found that SRRY313, NS7171, SSRY251 were strongly associated with the high content.The mapping analysis showed that five QTLs which are controlling the expression of β-carotene content and three color root pulp, which was validated in populations S1. In general, knowledge of inheritance and gene action accumulation of β-carotene in cassava, can be used to efficiently guide improvement processes aimed at improving the nutritional quality of cassava.