<i>SiDREB2</i>-based SNAP Marker-Assisted and Multi-Trait Selection in The Early Generation of Foxtail Millet (<i>Setaria italica</i> L. Beauv.)

Abstract

Setaria italica L. or foxtail millet is known for its nutritious grains and adaptability to unfavorable environmental conditions. High productivity, early heading, medium stature, and tolerance to drought- or salinity stress are among the breeding objectives for foxtail millet. The objective of this study was to select F3 families of foxtail millet from the cross of Botok-10xICERI-6 by weighted selection index and assisted by SiDREB2-based SNAP marker. Genotyping of 178 F3 families using the SiDREB2-based SNAP marker resulted in 29 A/A genotypes, 121 A/G genotypes, and 28 G/G genotypes. Further evaluation was conducted on 48 F3 families consisting of 27 A/A genotypes and 21 A/G genotypes in an augmented randomized complete block design together with their parental genotypes (Botok-10xICERI-6) and three check genotypes (Mauliru-2, NTB-1, and Toraja). Plant height and heading time had high broad-sense heritability, whereas grain weight per plant had a moderate broad-sense heritability. Ten potential F3 families were selected based on a weighted selection index with 20% intensity, comprised of seven A/G genotypes and three A/A genotypes with a weighted selection index ranging from 0.84 to 3.76. The F3 family with pedigree numbers B10I6-15-136, B10I6-15-161, and B10I6-15-70 with A/A genotypes are considered putative transgressive segregants and could be continued to the next generation for further breeding process.

Keywords

• drought
• cereals
• functional food
• molecular marker
• salinity
• underutilized crop