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Journal of Integrative Agriculture  2026, Vol. 25 Issue (5): 1846-1856    DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.02.025
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QTL mapping and allele stacking for enhanced lignan content in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using genotyping-by-sequencing

Yeon Ju An1, 3, Min Young Kim1, Sungup Kim1, Jeongeun Lee1, Sang Woo Kim1, Jung In Kim1Eunyoung Oh1, Heungsu Lee1, Kwang-Soo Cho2, Seung-Hyun Kim3, Myoung Hee Lee1, Eunsoo Lee1#

1 Upland Crop Breeding Research Division, Department of Southern Area Crop Science, National Institute of Crop Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Miryang 50424, Republic of Korea

2 Central Crop Breeding Research Division, Department of Central Area Crop Science, National Institute of Crop Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Suwon 16429, Republic of Korea

3 Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea

 Highlights 
Key QTLs regulating lignan content (sesamin, sesamolin, and sesaminol) in sesame seeds were identified.
The QTLs qLIGNAN6 and qLIGNAN11 showed allele stacking effects, confirming gene pyramiding potential for enhanced lignan content.

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Abstract  

Lignans are critical bioactive compounds in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), valued for their health benefits and industrial potential.  However, the genetic mechanisms underlying the lignan biosynthesis pathway remain poorly understood.  This study aimed to identify key quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with lignan content using 140 F9 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between the sesame cultivars Areum and Gomazou, and to develop molecular markers for breeding programs to enhance lignan content.  Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology was employed, combining single (ApeKI) and double-enzyme (PstI/MspI) digestions.  This approach provided comprehensive genome coverage and substantially improved the quality of the linkage map.  A total of 19 QTLs associated with lignan components, including oil-soluble and water-soluble lignans, were identified.  Among these, loci on chromosomes 6 and 11 exhibited high LOD scores of 17.8 (PVE 13.9%) and 51.5 (PVE 68.7%), respectively, for total lignan contents in seeds.  Two major QTLs, qLIGNAN6 and qLIGNAN11, were identified as key contributors to lignan content.  Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to these QTLs were used to develop CAPS markers for potential application in marker-assisted selection (MAS).  These markers were validated in RILs and germplasm to evaluate beneficial allele stacking and gene pyramiding.  This study provides valuable genetic resources and molecular markers to facilitate the effective implementation of sesame breeding strategies to improve nutritional value.  The findings contribute to the development of sesame varieties with higher lignan content, supporting both health and industrial applications.  

Keywords:  sesame       lignan        quantitative trait locus (QTL)        genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)        CAPS marker  
Received: 20 September 2024   Accepted: 03 January 2025 Online: 18 February 2025  
Fund: 

This research was supported by the Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea (Project PJ017387072024).  It was also supported by the 2024 Collaborative Research Program Between the University and the Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea. 

About author:  #Correspondence Eunsoo Lee, E-mail: awesomelee@korea.kr

Cite this article: 

Yeon Ju An, Min Young Kim, Sungup Kim, Jeongeun Lee, Sang Woo Kim, Jung In Kim, Eunyoung Oh, Heungsu Lee, Kwang-Soo Cho, Seung-Hyun Kim, Myoung Hee Lee, Eunsoo Lee. 2026. QTL mapping and allele stacking for enhanced lignan content in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using genotyping-by-sequencing. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 25(5): 1846-1856.

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