Genetic control over grain damage in a spring barley mapping population

A genetic map was constructed using DNA‐based markers in a barley mapping population derived from the cross ‘Tankard’בLivet’, that was developed to explore the genetic control over grain damage in spring barley cultivars. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were located for husk skinning, gape between the lemma and palea and splitting of the fused pericarp/testa/aleurone tissues. The QTL accounted for 70% of the genetic variation in Split and 60% of the genetic variation in Gape and Skinning. The QTL were clustered on chromosomes 1H, 4H, 5H, 6H and 7H. QTL analysis indicates the possibility of transgressive segregation for grain splitting and so the breeding of lines with more extreme splitting. This is of concern to the malting industry as, without extensive phenotypic assessment, such lines could be commercialized, as was the case of Landlord, and put malting barley supplies at risk. These findings are discussed in relation to the genetic control over traits including grain length and width.     

RFLP mapping of QTLs for photoperiod response in tropical sorghum

Genetic control of flowering time in sorghum was investigated using a recombinant inbred lines population derived from a cross between IS 2807, a slightly photoperiod sensitive tropical caudatum landrace, and IS 7680,a highly photoperiod sensitive tropical guinea landrace. Progenies were sown with their parents at six different dates between 1995 and 1997 in Burkina Faso. Direct field measures and synthetic measures derived from the implementation of a model were used to characterize the photoperiod response. Emphasis was put to identify the most relevant traits to account for Basic Vegetative Phase (BVP) and photoperiod sensitivity sensus stricto. One QTL was detected on Linkage Group (LG) F for the traits related to BVP. Two QTLs were detected on LGs C and H for the traits related to the photoperiod sensitivity sensus stricto. This gives credit to at least partially independent genetic determinisms for those two components of photoperiod response. Evidences for possible orthology of the QTLs detected here with other QTLs and major genes involved in flowering time of sorghum and rice are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Quantitative trait loci for fruit size and flowering time-related traits under domestication and diversifying selection in cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

In cucumber, the genetic basis of traits under domestication and/or diversifying selection is not well understood. Here, we reported QTL mapping for flowering time and fruit size-related traits with segregating populations derived from a cultivated × wild cross. Phenotypic data of flowering time (FT), fruit size (FS), fruit number (FN) and fruit weight per plant (FW) were collected in multiple environments. QTL analysis identified 19 QTL for these traits. We found that the major-effect QTL FT1.1 played an important role in regulating flowering time in cultivated cucumber, whereas the minor-effect QTL FT6.3 contributed to photoperiod sensitive flowering time during domestication. Two novel consensus FS QTL, FS1.4 and FS2.3, seem to be the targets of selection during breeding for the US processing cucumber. All other FS QTL were co-localized with previously detected QTL using populations derived from cultivated cucumbers, suggesting that they were under selection during both initial domestication and subsequent improvement. Results from this study also suggested that the wild cucumber is a useful resource for capturing positive transgressive segregation and novel alleles that could be explored in cucumber breeding.     

The completely additive effects of two barley phenology‐related genes (eps2S and sdw1) are explained by specific effects at different periods within the crop growth cycle

We used the ‘Baronesse’/‘Full Pint’ doubled haploid population to analyse the genetic factors controlling flowering date under South American conditions. Both parents have similar heading dates, but the population shows transgressive segregation. Two genes, eps2S on chromosome 2H and sdw1 on chromosome 3H, explained most of the phenotypic variation for anthesis date, with the later allele carried by ‘Baronesse’ and ‘Full Pint’ , respectively. Both effects were completely additive with no interaction. We studied three plant developmental periods: seedling emergence to tillering (Z10–Z20), tillering (Z20–Z30) and end of tillering to anthesis (Z30–Z49) under field conditions at three contrasting planting dates. Z10–Z20 was also measured under semi‐controlled conditions. eps2S controlled Z30–Z49 periods, while sdw1 controlled Z20–Z30. Each of the two genes for the end‐point phenotype—anthesis date—was a determinant of flowering at a different developmental stage. No gene x planting date interactions were detected.     

不同磷水平下大麦分蘖期磷效率相关性状QTL定位分析

磷素营养与大麦品质及产量密切相关,磷高效遗传机制和品种改良是近年的研究热点之一。本研究利用由大麦栽培品种Baudin和种质材料CN4079杂交构建的重组自交系(RIL)群体,低磷胁迫(0.02 mmol L~(-1) KH_2PO_4)与正常供磷(0.2 mmol L~(-1) KH_2PO_4)条件下,对地上部和地下部磷素利用效率、磷素吸收效率和干重,以及分蘖数相关的QTL定位,并预测相关位点基因。表型鉴定结果表明,各性状在RIL群体中表现连续变异,并存在超亲分离。两种磷水平下,共检测到16个QTL,分布在2H、3H和5H染色体上,表型贡献率14.1%~28.5%。3H染色体上含有3个磷素利用效率位点,其增效等位基因均来源于Baudin,其中Qspue.sau-3H.1和Qrpue.sau-3H与控制磷素吸收效率的Qspae.sau-3H和Qrpae.sau-3H处于同一区段,而Qspue.sau-3H.2与控制分蘖数的位点Qtn.sau-3H处于同一区段。5H染色体上含有3个磷素吸收效率位点,其中Qspae.sau-5H.2和Qrpae.sau-5H的增效等位基因来自CN4079,且与控制磷素利用效率的Qspue.sau-5H和Qrpue.sau-5H,以及控制干重的Qsdw.sau-5H和Qrdw.sau-5H处于同一区段。在磷效率相关的4个区段中,除Qspue.sau-3H.1所处区间仅含有磷酸代谢与磷脂代谢相关基因外,其他区间均包含磷酸盐转运蛋白基因、磷酸代谢与磷脂代谢相关基因。     

Quantitative trait loci analysis in Theobroma cacao using molecular markers. Inheritance of polygenic resistance to Phytophthora palmivora in two related cacao populations

Two related segregating populations of Theobroma cacao L. were analysed for their resistance to Phytophthora palmivora. The first F₁ population was obtained by crossing two susceptible cacao clones of Catongo (a highly homozygous genotype) and Pound 12(a highly heterozygous genotype) and the second population was obtained by backcrossing a single F₁ tree with Catongo. The genetic maps obtained for each population were compared. The F₁ map includes 162 loci and the backcross has 140 loci. The two maps, F₁ and BC₁, exhibit high co-linear loci organization covering respectively, 772 and 944 cM.Phytophthora resistance was assessed by measuring the size increase of a lesion at five (DL5)and ten days (DL10) after pod inoculation. Six different QTL were detected in the F₁ and BC₁ populations. One QTL was found in both populations, and appeared to be a major component of disease resistance, and explaining nearly 48% of the phenotypic variance in the F₁ population. The absence of some yield QTL detection in the BC₁ in comparison with the F₁ population is due to the lack of transmission of the favouring alleles for these QTL from the single F₁ tree used for the backcross. The phenotypic variance explained by the action of the quantitative trait alleles indicated that genetic factors of both major and minor effects were involved in the control of the character studied. QTL conferring increased resistance to Phytophthorawere identified in both susceptible parents, suggesting the presence of transgressive traits and the possibility of selection in cacao. Pleiotropic and epistatic effects for the QTL were also detected. Finally, the use of marker assisted selection (MAS) in cacao breeding programs is discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

利用双向导入群体检测遗传背景对耐盐QTL定位的影响

以优质粳稻品种Lemont与高产籼稻品种特青为亲本培育的高代双向回交导入系为材料,在温室140 mmol L^-1 NaCl胁迫条件下定位影响苗期叶片盐害级别(SST)、幼苗存活天数(SDS)、地上部K⁺浓度(SKC)和地上部Na⁺浓度(SNC)及人工气候室条件下影响地上部K⁺、Na⁺浓度的QTL。双向导入系的大部分遗传背景与各自的受体亲本相同,其中Lemont背景导入系中轮回亲本Lemont的基因组平均占83.8%,特青背景导入系中轮回亲本特青基因组平均占88.9%。各耐盐相关性状在两个背景群体中均出现超亲分离,多数性状的频率分布呈相互重叠状态,表明双亲作为供体相互导入各耐盐性状基因的效应大致相当。两个背景导入系群体中分别检测到影响上述耐盐相关性状的QTL各18个,同一性状在两个背景导入系中未能检测到任何相同表达的QTL,表明耐盐QTL表达具有很强的遗传背景效应,同时也说明这些耐盐QTL的效应可能较小。温室和人工气候室两种环境下仅在特青背景导入系中检测到1个影响SKC的相同QTL,表明耐盐QTL与环境的互作非常明显。虽然双亲均表现中等感盐,但QTL定位结果表明双亲中都存在一些提高耐盐相关性状的有利等位基因。研究认为,利用分子标记技术挖掘“隐蔽”于育成品种中的耐盐基因,进一步利用分子标记辅助选择技术对这些非等位耐盐基因进行聚合,完全有可能提高育成品种的耐盐水平。     

Molecular mapping of major genes and quantitative trait loci determining flowering time in response to photoperiod in barley

Two major genes (eam8 and eam10) and two quantitative trait loci (QTL) determining flowering time in barley were associated with restriction fragment length polymorphism markers. The loci eam8 and eam10 were found to map in regions of chromosomes 1HL and 3HL, respectively, already estimated from previous classical linkage analyses. While investigating doubled haploid lines of a spring habit barley mapping population, two QTL for flowering time were detected on chromosomes 1HL and 7HS, respectively, when the material was grown under long photoperiod conditions. When growing the same lines under short photoperiod, no QTL were discernible. Allelic and homoeologous relationships with flowering time loci described earlier in barley and other Triticeae species are discussed.     

Mapping quantitative trait loci conferring blast resistance in upland indica rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

A genetic analysis of blast resistance in upland rice variety is very crucial. In this study, we performed a linkage mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for blast resistance using an advanced backcross population from a cross between Way Rarem (susceptible indica variety) and Oryzica Llanos 5 (durable resistant indica variety). A transgressive segregation was observed in the advanced backcross population of Way Rarem//Oryzica Llanos 5. A total of 16 QTLs have been identified along chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 against eight blast pathogen isolates. Each QTL accounted from 11.31 to 45.11% of the variation in blast resistance. Most QTLs showed race specificity, demonstrating the small effect of such QTLs. Unexpectedly, several superior blast resistance alleles were contributed by Way Rarem, the susceptible-recurrent parent. Among eight candidate defense response genes detected in several loci, a single gene (oxalate oxidase) present on chromosome 3 was found to be associated with blast resistance in upland indica rice. Ultimately, these advanced backcross lines with resistance to blast tagged by markers might be useful for pyramiding blast resistance alleles in upland rice.     

Epistatic and QTL × environment interaction effects on leaf area‐associated traits in maize

Leaves play important roles, including in photosynthesis and transpiration, during plant development. Therefore, studying the genetic mechanisms affecting leaf size may contribute to improving plant architecture through molecular design. However, the genetic mechanisms that underlie these traits remain poorly understood. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for traits related to leaf area were identified using a set of recombinant inbred lines evaluated in three environments by 1226 single nucleotide polymorphic markers. In total, 16 QTL were detected with four QTL showing effects of greater than 10%. Five of the QTL explained 46.02%, seven of the QTL explained 46.77%, and four of the QTL explained 30.03% of the phenotypic variance of leaf length, width and area, respectively. Additional epistatic effects were identified for all of the maize chromosomes, except for chromosomes 7, 8 and 9. All of the epistatic effects involved pairs of loci on different chromosomes. Thus, a complex network controlling these traits was found in maize. These results provide useful information for understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling maize leaf size.     

Meta-analysis of constitutive and adaptive QTL for drought tolerance in maize

The response of plants to drought stress is very complex and involves expression of a lot of genes and pathways for diverse mechanisms and interactions with environments. Many quantitative trait loci(QTL) mapping experiments have given heterogeneous results due to use of different genotypes and populations tested in various environments. Our purpose was to identify some important constitutive and adaptive QTL using meta-analysis and to find specific genes and their families for speculating on drought tolerance networks. A total of 239 QTL detected under water-stressed conditions and 160 detected under control conditions from 12 populations tested in 22 experiments were compiled and compared, resulting in identification of 39 consensus QTL under water stress, and 36 under control conditions. Of them, 32 consensus QTL were supposed to be adaptive while others were constitutive QTL. The consensus QTL on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9 were highly overlapped with several different traits and could be identified under multiple environments, most of which were related to traits of high phenotypic variance. Moreover, 48 candidate genes related to stress tolerance were located in silico in these consensus QTL regions what should facilitate the construction of QTL networks and help to understand the mechanisms related to drought tolerance.     

Identification of chromosome regions conferring dry matter accumulation and photosynthesis in wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum</Emphasis> <Emphasis Type="Italic">aestivum</Emphasis> L.)

Dry matter accumulation (DMA) and photosynthetic capacity are important traits that influence biological yield and ultimate grain yield in wheat. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analyses for DMA of stem, leaves, total plant and photosynthesis traits (Fv/Fm) at the jointing and anthesis stages were studied, using a set of 168 doubled haploid lines (DHLs) derived from the cross Huapei 3 (HP3)/Yumai 57 (YM57). QTL analyses were performed using QTL-Network 2.0 software based on the mixed linear model approach. A total of 18 additive QTLs and 12 pairs of epistatic QTLs were distributed on 16 of the 21 chromosomes. Most of the additive QTLs associated with DMA co-located in the same or adjacent chromosome intervals with QTLs for grain yield and related traits. A major locus Qculmc.sau-5D.1 (14.2%) close to the molecular marker Xwmc215 detected at the jointing stage was shared by QTLs for heading date and vernalization sensitivity, indicating tight linkages or pleiotropisms. One pair of epistatic QTLs, Qleavesc.sau-4A and Qleavesc.sau- 6B, explained 13.11% of the phenotypic variation at anthesis. All QTL × environment interactions were detected at the jointing stage, showing the importance of the jointing stage in determining the final outcome of plant development.     

利用相同来源F2:3和BC2S1群体定位玉米生育期QTL

以普通玉米自交系丹232和爆裂玉米自交系N04为亲本构建259个F2:3和220个BC2S1家系群体,利用SSR标记构建分子标记遗传图谱,利用复合区间作图方法对4个生育期性状进行QTL定位和效应分析。利用F2:3群体共检测到4个抽雄期QTL、6个吐丝期QTL和3个散粉期QTL。单个QTL可解释的表型变异为6.7%~18.4%,可解释的表型总变异为28.9%~50.3%,11个QTL的增效基因来自生育期较长的亲本丹232,其余2个QTL的增效基因来自生育期较短的亲本N04;BC2S1群体检测到8个与4个生育期性状相关的QTL,单个QTL可解释的表型变异为4.5%~11.6%,可解释的表型总变异为13.2%~18.5%,增效基因来自两个亲本的QTL为3个和5个。两类群体检测出QTL的数目、位置、效应和贡献率均存在较大差异,主要原因在于BC2S1群体抽样选择所引起的群体结构差异,F2:3群体显示出较高的QTL检测能力,但回交育种过程中应慎重依据F2:3群体QTL定位结果进行标记辅助选择(MAS)。     

Quantitative trait loci mapping of seed colour,hairy leaf,seedling anthocyanin,leaf chlorosis and days to flowering in F2 population of Brassica rapa L.

A diversity arrays technology (DArT) map was constructed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting seed colour, hairy leaf, seedling anthocyanin, leaf chlorosis and days to flowering in Brassica rapa using a F₂ population from a cross between two parents with contrasting traits. Two genes with dominant epistatic interaction were responsible for seed colour. One major dominant gene controls the hairy leaf trait. Seedling anthocyanin was controlled by a major single dominant gene. The parents did not exhibit leaf chlorosis; however, 32% F₂ plants showed leaf chlorosis in the population. A distorted segregation was observed for days to flowering in the F₂ population. A linkage map was constructed with 376 DArT markers distributed over 12 linkage groups covering 579.7 cM. The DArT markers were assigned on different chromosomes of B. rapa using B. rapa genome sequences and DArT consensus map of B. napus. Two QTL (RSC1‐2 and RSC12‐56) located on chromosome A8 and chromosome A9 were identified for seed colour, which explained 19.4% and 18.2% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. The seed colour marker located in the ortholog to Arabidopsis thaliana Transparent Testa2 (AtTT2). Two QTL RLH6‐0 and RLH9‐16 were identified for hairy leaf, which explained 31.6% and 20.7% phenotypic variation, respectively. A single QTL (RSAn‐12‐157) on chromosome A7, which explained 12.8% of phenotypic variation was detected for seedling anthocyanin. The seedling anthocyanin marker is found within the A. thaliana Transparent Testa12 (AtTT12) ortholog. A QTL (RLC6‐04) for leaf chlorosis was identified, which explained 55.3% of phenotypic variation. QTL for hairy leaf and leaf chlorosis were located 0–4 cM apart on the same chromosome A1. A single QTL (RDF‐10‐0) for days to flowering was identified, which explained 21.4% phenotypic variation.     

玉米光周期敏感相关性状发育动态QTL定位

玉米是短日照作物,大多数热带种质对光周期非常敏感。光周期敏感性限制了温、热地区间的种质交流。研究玉米光周期敏感性的分子机理,有利于玉米种质的扩增、改良、创新,提高玉米品种对不同光周期变化的适应性。本研究以对光周期钝感的温带自交系黄早四和对光周期敏感的热带自交系CML288为亲本配置的组合衍生的一套207个重组自交系为材料,在长日照环境条件下对不同发育时期的叶片数、株(苗)高变化进行QTL分析。结果表明,双亲间的最终可见叶片数和株高差异很大;发育初期CML288的叶片数和苗高都低于黄早四,而发育后期CML288的叶片数和株高都明显高于黄早四;测定各时期F₇重组自交系间也存在显著差异。利用包含237个SSR标记、图谱总长度1 753.6 cM、平均图距7.40 cM的遗传连锁图谱,采用复合区间作图法,分别检测到控制叶片数和株(苗)高发育的QTL 11个和20个。但是,没有一个条件QTL 能在测定的几个时期都有效应。在长日照条件下,控制叶片数与株(苗)高的非条件与条件QTL主要集中在第1、9和10染色体上,特别是在第10染色体的标记umc1873附近均检测到了影响这两个性状的QTL,且在不同的发育时期单个条件和非条件QTL所解释的表型变异分别为4.34%~25.74%和10.02%~22.57%,表明这一区域可能包含光周期敏感性关键基因。     

QTL mapping of yield-related traits in the wheat germplasm 3228

The new wheat germplasm 3228, a putative derivative of tetraploid Agropyron cristatum Z559 and the common wheat Fukuhokomugi, has superior features in yield-related traits, particularly in spike morphological traits, such as large spike and superior grain number. To identify favorable alleles of these traits in 3228, 237 F_2:3 families were developed from the cross 3228/Jing 4839. A genetic map was constructed using 179 polymorphic SSR and EST-SSR markers. A total of 76 QTL controlling spike number per plant (SNP), spike length (SL), spikelet number per spike (SNS), floret number per spikelet (FNS), grain number per spike (GNS) and thousand-grain weight (TGW) were detected on 16 chromosomes. Each QTL explained 1.24–27.01% of the phenotypic variation, and 9 QTL (28.95%) were detected in two or all environments. Additive effects of 45 QTL were positive with 3228 alleles increasing the QTL effects, 31 QTL had negative effects indicating positive contributions from Jing 4839. Three important clusters involving all traits were located on chromosomes 5A, 6A and 4B, and several co-located QTL were also found. Most of the QTL detected on the three chromosome regions could contribute to the use of 3228 in breeding for grain yield improvement.     

QTL analysis of cooked rice grain elongation, volume expansion, and water absorption using a recombinant inbred population

The traits of elongation, volume expansion, and water absorption are very important in determining the quality of cooked rice grains. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of these traits was performed using a recombinant inbred population derived from a cross between two indica cultivars, ‘Zhenshan 97’ and ‘Minghui 63 ,’ which are the parents of the most widely grown hybrid rice in China. Using a linkage map based on 221 molecular marker loci covering a total of 1796 cM, a total of 33 QTLs were identified for the nine traits tested. QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1– 3 , 5– 9 , and 11 , respectively. The QTLs identified included three for cooked rice grain length elongation (chromosomes 2 , 6 , and 11), six for width expansion (chromosomes 1‐ 3 , 6 , 9 , and 11) and two for water absorption (chromosomes 2 and 6). Interestingly, a single QTL located near the wx gene on chromosome 6 seemed to influence all the traits tested for the cooked rice quality.     

开花后不同光周期条件下大豆农艺性状和品质性状的QTL分析

以开花期相近的181个大豆重组自交系(RIL)为材料,研究开花后不同光照长度对大豆主要农艺性状的影响,并在利用SSR标记构建大豆遗传图谱的基础上,分别在长日(16 h)和短日(12 h)条件下检测与主要农艺性状及其光周期敏感度(PS)相关的QTL。结果表明,开花后光照处理对大豆农艺性状和品质性状有较大影响,不同性状的光周期敏感度差异明显,株高＞主茎节数＞蛋白质含量、脂肪含量＞百粒重＞单株荚数＞蛋白质和脂肪总量。利用复合区间作图法检测到12个与株高、主茎节数、单株荚数、百粒重、蛋白质和脂肪总量等性状及各性状对开花后光周期处理的敏感度相关的QTL,分别定位于A1、A2、B1、B2、C1、D1a、F、L等8个连锁群上。其中,在短日条件下检测到4个QTL,可解释的遗传变异范围在11.37%~26.63%之间;在长日条件下检测到3个QTL,可解释的遗传变异范围在11.84%~27.85%之间;检测到5个与不同性状光周期敏感度有关的QTL,可解释相对应性状表型变异的范围在6.15%~21.44%之间。针对同一性状,未检测到在长日和短日条件下均起作用的主效QTL, 说明开花后光周期对大豆产量和品质性状相关基因的表达有较大影响。     

Inheritance of temperature sensitivity of the photoperiod response in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Summary Photoperiod response of flowering in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is thought to be controlled by the genes Ppd and Hr. However, cultivars also vary in the degree that cooler temperatures reduces their sensitivity to photoperiod. To examine the inheritance of this temperature sensitivity, crosses of cvs. Gordo x de Celaya and Flor de Mayo × Rojo 70 were evaluated at two sites differing in mean temperature and using 12.5-h natural photoperiod or 18-h artificially extended photoperiod. Under 18-h photoperiod at the warmer site, Palmira, no plants of the parents or of the F₂ populations flowered, confirming that the parents were sensitive to photoperiod. Under 12.5-h photoperiod at the cooler site, Popayan, the parents for each cross flowered at similar dates and no segregation for days to flower was observed. However, under 18-h photoperiod, de Celaya and Rojo 70 and the F₁ populations did not flower within 100 days after planting, while the F₂ and F₃ populations showed segregation that was consistent with single gene inheritance, late flowering being dominant. Late flowering at Popayan under 18-h photoperiod indicates a lack of temperature sensitivity, so temperature insensitivity of the photoperiod response was dominant to sensitivity. The name Tip, for temperature insensitivity of photoperiod response, is proposed for this gene, with the recessive form of this gene conditioning earlier flowering at cooler temperatures with long daylengths. It is recognized that the observed segregation patterns could represent the effect of multiple alleles at the Ppd or Hr loci, and studies are proposed to test this possibility with molecular markers and recombinant inbred lines.     

Quantitative trait loci for early maturity and their potential in breeding for earliness in Brassica juncea

A doubled haploid population of Brassica juncea, developed from a cross between two parental lines differing for days to maturity, was used to study the efficiency of indirect selection for a primary trait through selection of secondary trait(s) over direct selection for the primary trait when quantitative trait loci information is available for both primary and secondary traits, and applied. Days to maturity was considered as primary trait, while days to first flowering, days to end of flowering, flowering period and plant height were considered as secondary traits. An RFLP linkage map was employed for QTL analysis of maturity and maturity-determinant traits, and a stable QTL B6 simultaneously affecting these two types of traits was identified. This linked QTL explained 11.7% phenotypic variation for days to maturity, 20.7% variation for days to first flowering, 24.3% variation for days to end of flowering and 14.4% variation for plant height. Phenotypic evaluation of maturity and/or maturity-determinant traits, viz. days to first flowering, days to end of flowering and plant height revealed that limited genetic advance for early maturity can be achieved through phenotypic selection of the primary and/or the secondary trait(s). However, the estimates of genetic advance for early maturity based on combined phenotypic evaluation and linked QTL data was found to be, at least, three times higher compared to genetic advance based on phenotypic evaluation only, demonstrating the potential of marker-assisted selection in breeding for early maturity in B. juncea.