Biology subjects

Asante, I. K.

Publications and source records attributed to Asante, I. K..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Effect of Ethyl Methane Sulfonate Mutagenesis on Phenological, Yield-Related andYield Traits in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

This study investigated the mutagenic effects of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) on the M{square} generation in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) cultivar Wang Kae. A total of 275 M{square} seeds were treated with EMS concentrations of 20 mM, 40 mM, and 80 mM (75 seeds per treatment) by soaking for six hours, while 50 untreated seeds served as the control (0 mM). Phenological, yield-related and yield traits were recorded, and data were analysed using Jamovi 2.7.15 and JASP 0.95.4.0 through one-way ANOVA with post hoc contrast, principal component biplot, and cluster analyses. No optimal mutagenic concentration (LD50) was identified. Seed germination and seedling survival rates increased with increasing EMS concentration, ranging from 70.00% and 62.00% in the control (0 mM) to 89.33% and 74.67% at 80 mM, following the trend 0 mM < 20 mM < 40 mM < 80 mM. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among treatments for all phenological traits, pod length, locule number, seed traits, and yield per plant. Yield was significantly higher (P = 0.047) at 20 mM (61.19 {+/-} 3.34 g) compared to the control. Contrast analysis identified genotypes B33 and D56 as the most productive mutants, with yields of 125.44 g and 111.85 g, respectively. Principal component analysis extracted eighteen components, with the first four cumulatively explaining 50.60% of total variation. Biplot analysis of PC1 and PC2 captured all phenological traits, key seed traits, and yield attributes, highlighting the superior performance of B33 and D56. Cluster analysis partitioned the 190 genotypes into six groups, with B33 and D56 constituting distinct clusters. EMS mutagenesis effectively induced heritable phenotypic variation, with putative superior genotypes identified for advancement to M{square} and evaluation in replicated multi-environment trials toward the development of farmer- and consumer-preferred cowpea varieties.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2025

Genetic Linkage Studies in F2 Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp) Mapping Populations Using Qualitative Morphological and SNP Markers

The research was conducted to study genetic linkage in 45 F2 cowpea mapping populations derived from a cross between two inbred lines Golinga (cultivated variety) and a Wild relative. The data used for the study were based on 13 polymorphic SNPs and 17 morphological markers. The segregation ratios were analyzed revealed that five traits (growth habit, growth pattern, leaf shape, plant hairiness and pod hairiness) segregated significantly according to 3:1 mendelian classical ratio for inheritance whilst the remaining 13 showed 9:7 ratios. Genetic linkage mapping was performed by using the software QTLiCIMapping version 4.2. All the markers used were polymorphic. Eleven linkage groups were detected which spanned a total map length of 93.8217 cM at a LOD score of 4. Variation in marker distribution on all the 11 linkage groups was observed. Fourteen markers were distributed on Chromosome 1. In all cases, segregation distortion was observed for all the markers in each of the linkage groups. Segregation distortion in Chromosome 1, Chromosome 5, Chromosome 8 and Chromosome 11 were highly skewed to the wild parental type. This work provides one of the few integrated morphological-SNP linkage maps for cowpea and highlights genomic regions associated with non-Mendelian inheritance. These findings supply foundational genetic information for QTL discovery, marker-assisted selection, and breeding strategies aimed at improving yield, nutrition, and climate resilience in cowpea. Author SummaryIn this study, we set out to understand how important physical traits in cowpea are passed from one generation to the next, and to build a simple genetic map that can guide future crop improvement. Cowpea is a major source of food and nutrition for millions of people, especially in Africa, yet progress in improving the crop has been slowed by limited genetic information. By crossing a cultivated cowpea variety with its wild relative, we examined how traits such as growth form, leaf shape, pod appearance, and seed characteristics segregate in their offspring. We also combined these observations with DNA markers to create a genetic map showing how these traits and markers are arranged along the chromosomes. Our results show that some traits follow the classic patterns of inheritance, while others are influenced by interactions between pairs of genes. We also discovered regions of the genome where inheritance was skewed toward one parent, offering clues about underlying biological processes. By providing one of the few combined morphological and DNA maps for cowpea, our work creates a foundation that breeders and researchers can use to develop improved, desired, and climate-resilient cowpea varieties.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2025

QTL Identification for Morphological and Phytochemical Traits in 45 F2 Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp) Mapping Populations

The research was conducted to study genetic linkage in 45 F2 cowpea mapping populations derived from a cross between two inbred lines Golinga (cultivated variety) and a Wild relative. The data used for the study were based on 13 polymorphic SNPs markers, 47 morphological and 23 phytochemical traits (18 amino acids and 5 polyphenols). The morphological variables involved 17 qualitative and 30 quantitative variables of cowpea vegetative and yield and yield-related traits whereas the phytochemical traits involved. Genetic linkage mapping and QTL mapping were performed by using the software QTLiCIMapping version 4.2. All the 17 qualitative markers were polymorphic. Eleven linkage groups were detected at a LOD score of 4. Fourteen markers were distributed on chromosome 1. A total of 79 QTLs were identified which were distributed over four linkage groups. Contributions of the QTLs to percentage phenotypic variation ranged from 0.00% to 27.62% (quercetin). Multiple QTLs located at the same location were identified on chromosomes 1 and 4 indicating potential pleiotropy. QTLs identified for seed related traits were mapped to the same region on chromosome 4. QTLs for the vegetative traits namely, number of branches, number of leaves and branch length were mapped on the same region on chromosome 4. The identification of moderate- to large-effect QTLs on chromosome 4, especially qSDWG4.1, offers promising targets for seed weight improvement in cowpea. A total of 42 QTLs were detected for amino acids, most of which were located on chromosome 1, with additional loci on chromosomes 4, 7, and 9. Nine QTLs were identified for phenolic acids. Two QTLs for the flavonoids rutin and quercetin were mapped to a shared region on chromosome 4. This study provided an integrated QTL framework for morphological, reproductive, amino acid, and phenolic traits in cowpea, revealing major genomic regions on chromosomes 1 and 4 that controlled both domesticated-related and nutritional traits. The results offer foundational genomic resources for future fine mapping, candidate gene discovery, and nutritional improvement in cowpea breeding programs. Author SummaryCowpea is an important food and nutritional security crop, yet many traits that influence its yield, seed quality, and nutrient composition remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined an F2 population produced by crossing a cultivated cowpea variety ( Golinga) with a wild relative to explore genetic factors that control key agronomic and nutritional traits. We measured vegetative, phenological and yield and yield-related traits, 18 amino acids, and five phenolic compounds, and used morphological and SNP markers to identify genomic regions associated with their variation. We detected 79 QTLs across four chromosomes. Many important seed and reproductive traits were controlled by QTLs on chromosome 4, while chromosome 1 carried major clusters of QTLs for amino acids and phenolic acids. These results reveal genomic "hotspots" that influence both domestication-related traits and nutritional quality. By identifying the genetic regions associated with these traits, our work provides valuable tools for breeding programs aimed at improving cowpea productivity and enhancing seed nutritional composition. The findings also contribute to a deeper understanding of how wild relatives can introduce beneficial variation into cultivated cowpea.

genetics↗