Genome-wide association study of a Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) diversity panel reveals the genetic basis of agronomic and nutritional traits.

ABSTRACT: Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) is a common tropical forage crop valued for its high biomass yields, nutritional quality, and adaptability to diverse abiotic stresses. However, the genetic basis of its key agronomic traits remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from 124 diverse M. maximus genebank accessions, yielding a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data set of 1,261,156 SNPs after mapping to a related reference genome. Population structure analysis revealed three major genetic subgroups within the collection. Using three complementary GWAS models (Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Incorporating Knowledge (BLINK), the Fixed and Random Model Circul

SUBMITTER: Lopez-Contreras LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12754869 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature