Identification of environmentally stable QTL for resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans in oilseed rape (Brassica napus)

KEY MESSAGE: Six stable QTL for resistance againstL. maculans(phoma stem canker) have been identified by QTL × environment interaction analysis using data from five winter oilseed rape field experiments. ABSTRACT: Phoma stem canker, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is a disease of worldwide importance on oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Quantitative trait loci (QTL)-mediated resistance against L. maculans in B. napus is considered to be race non-specific and potentially durable. Identification and evaluation of QTL for resistance to L. maculans is important for breeding oilseed rape cultivars with durable resistance. An oilseed rape mapping population was used to detect QTL for resistance against L. maculans in five winter oilseed rape field experiments under different environments. A total of 17 QTL involved in ‘field’ quantitative resistance against L. maculans were detected and collectively explained 51 % of the phenotypic variation. The number of QTL detected in each experiment ranged from two to nine and individual QTL explained 2–25 % of the phenotypic variation. QTL × environment interaction analysis suggested that six of these QTL were less sensitive to environmental factors, so they were considered to be stable QTL. Markers linked to these stable QTL will be valuable for selection to breed for effective resistance against L. maculans in different environments, which will contribute to sustainable management of the disease. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00122-015-2620-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.