Discovery of an SSR marker linked to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus resistance in Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) poses a significant threat to okra production. Breeding for genetic resistance is a promising approach for YVMV management. This study aimed to investigate the inheritance of YVMV resistance and identify molecular markers associated with resistance in okra. Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from a cross between a YVMV-resistant breeding line (NS25581) and a susceptible line (NS17556). Phenotypic data from the RIL population exhibited a segregation ratio of 1:3 for resistant and susceptible plants, suggesting the involvement of a single recessive gene in controlling YVMV resistance over two consecutive years (Summer 2020 and 2021). A parental polymorphism survey using 212 markers identified six polymorphic markers. Genotyping of RILs with these markers, followed by single marker analysis, revealed a significant association between YVMV resistance and the SSR54 marker. SSR54 accounted for 4.42% and 5.05% of the phenotypic variance (R 2 ) during Summer 2020 and Summer 2021, respectively. Notably, this study marks the first identification of a marker associated with YVMV resistance in okra. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of YVMV resistance and pave the way for marker-assisted breeding programs targeting enhanced resistance in okra cultivars.