Bayesian Inference to Study Genetic Control of Resistance to Gray Leaf Spot in Maize.

Gray leaf spot (GLS) is a major maize disease in Brazil that significantly affects grain yield. We used Bayesian inference to investigate the nature and magnitude of gene effects related to GLS resistance by evaluation of contrasting inbred lines and segregating populations. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications and the mean values analyzed using a Bayesian shrinkage approach. Additive,dominant and epistatics effects and its variances were adjusted in an over-parametrized model. Bayesian shrinkage analysis showed to be an excellent approach to handle complex models in the study of genetic control in GLS data since complete information about genetic parameters was obtained in a single model. Genetic control of GLS resistance was predominantly additive with marginal influence of dominance and epistasis effects.