Genome-wide association of rice response to blast fungus identifies loci for robust resistance under high nitrogen

Abstract Background Nitrogen fertilization is known to increase disease susceptibility, a phenomenon called Nitrogen-Induced Susceptibility (NIS). In rice, this has been observed in infections with the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae . A previous classical genetic study revealed locus ( NIS1 ) that enhances susceptibility rice under high nitrogen fertilization. order further address underlying genetics of plasticity after fertilization, we analyzed NIS greenhouse-controlled conditions panel 139 temperate japonica strains. genome-wide association analysis was conducted identify loci potentially involved by comparing identified and low conditions, an approach allowing for identification validated across different environments. We also used novel Index contributing regimes. Results global effect population, density lesions increasing 8%, on average, Three new QTL, other than NIS1, were identified. rare allele RRobN1 chromosome 6 provides robust resistance frequent NIS2 locus, 5, exacerbates condition. Finally, NIS3 , 10, buffers arising from but increases levels susceptibility. This almost fixed japonicas, as probable consequence hitchhiking cold stress adaptation. Conclusions Our results extend entire subspecies initial finding demonstrate usefulness estimating response