Association mapping in multiple yam species (Dioscorea spp.) of quantitative trait loci for yield-related traits

Background Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is multiple species with various ploidy levels and is considered as a cash crop in many producing areas. Phenotypic selection in yam improvement is a lengthy procedure. However, marker-assisted selection has proven to reduce the breeding cycle with enhanced selection efficiency. Methodology In this study, a panel of 182 yam accessions distributed across six yam species were assessed for diversity and marker-traits association study using SNP markers generated from Diversity Array Technology platform. Association analysis was performed using mixed linear model (K + Q) implemented in GAPIT followed by gene annotation. Results Accessions performance were significantly different (p