| Sumario: | Yam (Dioscorea spp.) species are predominantly dioecious, with male and female flowers
borne on separate individuals. Cross-pollination is, therefore, essential for gene flow among and
within yam species to achieve breeding objectives. Understanding genetic mechanisms underlying
sex determination and cross-compatibility is crucial for planning a successful hybridization
program. This study used the genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach for identifying
genomic regions linked to sex and cross-compatibility in water yam (Dioscorea alata L.). We identified
54 markers linked to flower sex determination, among which 53 markers were on chromosome 6 and
one on chromosome 11. Our result ascertained that D. alata is characterized by the male heterogametic
sex determination system (XX/XY). The cross-compatibility indices, average crossability rate (ACR)
and percentage high crossability (PHC), were controlled by loci on chromosomes 1, 6 and 17. Of
the significant loci, SNPs located on chromosomes 1 and 17 were the most promising for ACR and
PHC, respectively, and should be validated for use in D. alata hybridization activities to predict
cross-compatibility success. A total of 61 putative gene/protein families with direct or indirect
influence on plant reproduction were annotated in chromosomic regions controlling the target traits.
This study provides valuable insights into the genetic control of D. alata sexual reproduction. It
opens an avenue for developing genomic tools for predicting hybridization success in water yam
breeding programs.
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