Comprehensive genotyping of Brazilian Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) Germplasm Bank: insights into diversification and domestication

Cassava ( Crantz) is a major staple root crop of the tropics, originating from the Amazonas region. In this study, 3,354 cassava landraces and modern breeding lines from the Embrapa Cassava Germplasm Bank (CGB) were characterized. All individuals were subjected to genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), identifying 27,045 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Identity-by-state and population structure analyses revealed a unique set of 1,536 individuals and 10 distinct genetic groups with heterogeneous linkage disequilibrium (LD). On this basis, 1,300 to 4,700 SNP markers were selected for large quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection. Identified genetic groups were further characterized for population genetics parameters including minor allele frequency (MAF), observed heterozygosity (), effective population size estimate and polymorphism information content (PIC). Selection footprints and introgressions of were detected. Spatial population structure analysis revealed five ancestral populations related to distinct Brazilian ecoregions. Estimation of historical relationships among identified populations suggest earliest population split from Amazonas to Atlantic forest and Caatinga eco-regions and active gene flows. This study provides a thorough genetic characterization of germplasm resources from cassava center of origin, South America, with results shedding light on Brazilian cassava characteristics and its biogeographical landscape. These Findings support and facilitate the use of genetic resources in modern breeding programs including implementation of association mapping and genomic selection strategies.