A Genome-Wide Scan Divulges Key Loci Involved in Resistance to Aphids (Aphis craccivora) in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Cowpea aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch) double as a direct damaging pest and a virus vector to cowpea, threatening the economic yield of the crop. Given the multiple ecotypes, different alleles have been implicated in aphid resistance, necessitating the identification of key genes involved. The present study implemented a genome-wide scan using 365 cowpea mini-core accessions to decipher loci involved in resistance to aphid ecotype from Kano, Nigeria. Accessions were artificially inoculated with A. craccivora in insect-proof cages and damage severity assessed at 21 days after infestation. Significant phenotypic differences based on aphid damage severity were registered among the accessions. Skewed phenotypic distributions were depicted in the population, suggesting the involvement of major genes in the control of resistance. A genome-wide scan identified three major regions on chromosomes Vu10, Vu08 and Vu02, and two minor ones on chromosomes Vu01 and Vu06, that were significantly associated with aphid resistance. These regions harbored several genes, out of which, five viz Vigun01g233100.1, Vigun02g088900.1, Vigun06g224900.1, Vigun08g030200.1 and Vigun10g031100.1 were the most proximal to the peak single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) positions. These genes are expressed under stress signaling, mechanical wounding and insect feeding. The uncovered loci contribute towards establishing a marker-assisted breeding platform and building durable resistance against aphids in cowpea.