Associations of simple sequence repeats with quantitative trait variation including biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in Hordeum spontaneum

A total of 33 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) was analyzed in 52 genotypes of Hordeum spontaneum originally collected from two different soil types (Terra rossa and Basalt) at Tabigha in Israel. Data on the performance of developmental, morphological, and yield-related traits under well-watered control and water-stress conditions were available from previous experimentation, and powdery mildew susceptibility was scored. Regression analyses based on SSR allele class differences were performed. Highly significant associations were detected at the SSR loci Bmac181 (on chromosome 4H) and Bmac316 (6H) for water-stress tolerance and powdery mildew resistance, respectively. The study shows that association mapping using SSRs and genetically diverse germplasm provides an effective means of relating genotypes to complex quantitative phenotypes.