Genome‐wide association study for yield and quality of granulated cassava processed product

The starchy storage roots of cassava are commonly processed into a variety of products, including cassava granulated processed products (gari). The commercial value of cassava roots depends on the yield and quality of processed products, directly influencing the acceptance of new varieties by farmers, processors, and consumers. This study aims to estimate genetic advance through phenotypic selection and identify genomic regions associated and candidate genes linked with gari yield and quality. Higher single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based heritability estimates compared to broad‐sense heritability estimates were observed for most traits highlighting the influence of genetic factors on observed variation. Using genome‐wide association analysis of 188 clones, genotyped using 53,150 genome‐wide SNPs, nine SNPs located on seven chromosomes were significantly associated with peel loss, gari yield, color parameters for gari and eba, bulk density, swelling index, and textural properties of eba. Future research will focus on validating and understanding the functions of identified genes and their influence on gari yield and quality traits. Core Ideas This study is the first comprehensive genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to uncover the genetic factors influencing gari quality in cassava. GWAS identified nine significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) closely linked to variations in the measured traits. Five core candidate genes and hypothetical proteins were identified, co‐localized with significant SNPs. Phosphoglucosamine mutase family protein and the pectin lyase‐like superfamily protein demonstrated associations with swelling index. These findings underscore the potential of molecular breeding to enhance gari yield and quality. Plain Language Summary We conducted a study to identify genomic regions associated with gari yield and quality and annotate candidate genes linked to these traits. We found nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on seven chromosomes that were significantly associated with peel loss, gari yield, color parameters for gari and eba, bulk density, swelling index of gari, eba hardness, and gumminess. We also identified five core candidate genes that were co‐localized with these significant SNPs. This study provides new insights into the genetic architecture of gari quality traits.