Genome-wide QTL analysis for pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in bread wheat

A framework linkage map comprising 214 molecular marker (SSR, AFLP, SAMPL) loci was prepared using an intervarietal recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population of bread wheat. The RIL population that was developed from the cross SPR8198 (red-grained and PHS tolerant genotype) × HD2329 (white-grained and PHS susceptible genotype) following single seed descent segregated for pre-harvest sprouting (PHS). The RIL population and parental genotypes were evaluated in six different environments and the data on PHS were collected. Using the linkage map and PHS data, genome-wide single-locus and two-locus QTL analyses were conducted for PHS tolerance (PHST). Single-locus analysis following composite interval mapping (CIM) detected a total of seven QTL, located on specific arms of five different chromosome (1AS, 2AL, 2DL, 3AL and 3BL). These seven QTL included two major QTL one each on 2AL and 3AL. Two of these seven QTL were also detected following two-locus analysis, which resolved a total of four main-effect QTL (M-QTL), and 12 epistatic QTL (E-QTL), the latter involved in 7 QTL × QTL interactions. Interestingly, none of these M-QTL and E-QTL detected by two-locus analysis was involved in Q × E and Q × Q × E interactions, supporting the results of ANOVA, where genotype × environment interaction were non-significant. The QTL for PHS detected in the present study may be efficiently utilized for marker-aided selection for enhancing PHST in bread wheat.     

Genetic mapping of sedimentation volume across environments using recombinant inbred lines of durum wheat

SDS-sedimentation volume (SV) is a biochemical index widely used to evaluate flour quality in durum and bread wheats. Significant association between SV and endosperm proteins (gliadin, high-molecular-weight- and low-molecular-weight-glutenin subunits) have been reported. Protein loci, however, account for only a portion of the total genetic variability. The objective of this study was to identify and locate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with SV in a set of recombinant inbred (RI) lines, derived from a cross between the cv.‘Messapia’ of durum wheat and the accession MG4343 of the var. dicoccoides, and characterized for 259 genetic and molecular (RFLP) markers. Significant differences were detected for the quality index in the six environments examined, while the pattern of variability was that of a quantitative trait. Regression analysis of marker loci and sedimentation volume indicated, as expected, that chromosome 1B, on which are located the Gli-B 1/Glu-B 3 loci for some gliadin and glutenin subunits, is important for wheat quality. Two additional regions located on chromosomes 6AL and 7BS, and four regions on 1AL, 3AS, 3BL and 5AL, were shown to have single-factor effects on sedimentation volume at P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively. Positive effects were contributed by both parents. A multiple linear regression model consisting of seven significant loci on different chromosomes explained 62–91% of the genotypic variation of the trait. The availability of linked markers to QTLs may facilitate the genetic dissection of quantitative traits and the early selection in wheat breeding programmes.     

增加穗粒数的水稻染色体代换系Z747鉴定及相关性状QTL定位

增加穗粒数对水稻高产品种培育至关重要。其遗传基础复杂,由多基因控制。水稻染色体片段代换系可以将多基因控制的复杂性状分解,因而是理想的遗传研究材料。本研究通过高代回交和自交结合分子标记辅助选择方法,鉴定了一个以日本晴为受体、西恢18为供体亲本的、含有15个代换片段的增加穗粒数的水稻染色体片段代换系Z747,平均代换长度为4.49 Mb。与受体日本晴相比, Z747的每穗总粒数、一次枝梗数、二次枝梗数、穗长和粒长显著增加,粒宽显著变窄、结实率显著降低,但结实率仍为81%。进一步以日本晴和Z747杂交构建的次级F2群体鉴定出46个相关性状的QTL,分布于水稻1号、2号、3号、5号、6号、9号、11号和12号染色体上。其中qGPP12、qPH-3-1、qPH-3-2等12个QTL可能与已克隆的基因等位, qSPP9等34个可能是新鉴定的QTL。Z747的每穗总粒数由2个具有增加粒数效应的QTL (qSPP3和qSPP5)和1个具有减少粒数效应的QTL (qSPP9)控制。研究结果对主效QTL的精细定位和克隆、以及有利基因的单片段代换系培育有重要意义。     

QTL mapping for agronomic and fibre traits using two interspecific chromosome substitution lines of Upland cotton

CS‐B14Sh and CS‐B22Sh are cotton interspecific chromosome substitution (CS)‐B lines, in which a pair of short arms of chromosome 14 and chromosome 22 were introgressed from Gossypium barbadense doubled‐haploid line 3‐79 with the background of Gossypium hirsutum line TM‐1, respectively. These two CS‐B lines were crossed with TM‐1, and segregating progenies (F₂ and F_2:3, respectively) were obtained. Phenotypic data of lint yield, yield‐related traits and fibre‐quality traits were collected from two trials. In the cross CS‐B14SH X TM‐1, QTL for boll weight (BW), lint percentage (LP), fibre upper half mean length (UHML), micronaire reading (MIC), and fibre breaking tensile strength (STR) were repeatedly detected. Alleles from 3‐79 decreased BW and MIC, but increased UHML and STR. In the cross CS‐B22Sh X TM‐1, QTL for BW, LP, UHML, MIC, STR, fibre elongation (EL),seed weight(SW), node of first fruiting branch (NFB) and fibre uniformity index (UI) were repeatedly detected, and alleles from 3‐79 decreased UHML, UI and STR, but increased NFB, SW, MIC and EL. QTL clusters were found in both populations.     

Effects of homoeologous group 1 and 6 chromosomes of the Cappelle-Desprez (Bezostaya 1) substitution lines on aspects of bread-making quality of wheat

Summary The group 1 and 6 inter-varietal chromosome substitution lines of Cappelle-Desprez (Bezostaya 1) were intercrossed along with the donor and recipient varieties, Cappelle-Desprez and Bezostaya 1, to give 36 genetically different families. The analysis of the means of these families showed that variation in SDS-sedimentation volume fitted a predominantly additive model. There were no significant within or between chromosome interactions among the group 1 and 6 chromosomes. Nor was there any evidence for interactions between these chromosomes and those of the background. Significant dominance/within chromosome interactions amongst the background chromosomes were however detected. Some of the positive effects on SDS-sedimentation were associated with increased grain hardness. Chromosome effects on % grain protein were not correlated with SDS-sedimentation.     

Quantitative trait locus analysis of wheat quality traits

Milling and baking quality traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were studied by QTL analysis in the ITMI population, a set of 114 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) generated from a synthetic-hexaploid (W7985) × bread-wheat (Opata 85) cross. Grain from RILs grown in U.S., French, and Mexican wheat-growing regions was assayed for kernel-texture traits, protein concentration and quality, and dough strength and mixing traits. Only kernel-texture traits showed similar genetic control in all environments, with Opata ha alleles at the hardness locus Ha on chromosome arm 5DS increasing grain hardness, alkaline water retention capacity, and flour yield. Dough strength was most strongly influenced by Opata alleles at 5DS loci near or identical to Ha. Grain protein concentration was associated not with high-molecular-weight glutenin loci but most consistently with the Gli-D2 gliadin locus on chromosome arm 6DS. In Mexican-grown material, a 2DS locus near photoperiod-sensitivity gene Ppd1 accounted for 25% of variation in protein, with the ppd1-coupled allele associated with higher (1.1%) protein concentration. Mixogram traits showed most influence from chromosomal regions containing gliadin or low-molecular-weight glutenin loci on chromosome arms 1AS, 1BS, and 6DS, with the synthetic hexaploid contributing favorable alleles.Some RI lines showed quality values consistently superior to those of the parental material, suggesting the potential of further evaluating new combinations of alleles from diploid and tetraploid relatives, especially alleles of known storage proteins, for improvement of quality traits in wheat cultivars.Contribution number 06-77J from the Kansas Agricultural Experimental Station.     

基于染色体片段置换系群体检测水稻株型性状QTL

株型是由多个形态和生理性状集成的复合性状,它与水稻产量密切相关。挖掘优异株型等位基因或QTL,对水稻超高产育种具有重要意义。本研究利用籼稻昌恢121和粳稻Koshihikari构建的208个染色体片段置换系(chromosome segment substitution lines, CSSLs),在3个环境下,对控制株高、剑叶形态和分蘖数的QTL进行检测,共鉴定到35个株型性状QTL,分布于11条染色体上(除9号染色体以外),解释表型变异2.00%～22.86%。值得关注的是qPH-1-1、qFLW-6和qFLA-3均能在3个环境下被检测到,其中qFLW-6为1个新鉴定到的剑叶宽QTL。对qPH-1-1和qFLA-3位点进行鉴定,验证了这2个位点等位基因的加性效应和环境稳定性。本研究为株型性状QTL的进一步精细定位、克隆及分子辅助聚合育种奠定了基础。     

Kernel hardness and baking quality of wheat — A genetic analysis using chromosome substitution lines

Summary An attempt was made to identify the chromosomal location of genetic control of a few components of wheat quality, using chromosome substitution lines of Cappelle Desprez, Cheyenne, Hope, and Timstein into the recipient variety Chinese Spring.Major factors for kernel hardness and increased baking absorption were found on chromosomes 5D of Cheyenne and Hope, and on 3B, 5D and 7D of Timstein. In Timstein, the presence of one of these chromosomes sufficed to make the wheat kernels hard.Factors for favourable dough properties were identified on a few other chromosomes, different in various varieties. These were 1A of Cappelle Desprez and Cheyenne, 3B of Hope, and 2D of Timstein. All but one of these chromosomes showed an increase in loaf volume to a level in-between those of the recipient variety Chinese Spring and the donor varieties. No relationship was found between kernel hardness and dough-making and baking properties.It was assumed that wheat quality is due to a combination of kernel hardness and favourable dough-making properties. As the genes for these factors are located on different chromosomes, it should not be too difficult to introduce both factors in existing varieties with poor baking properties. In a wheat breeding programme, the quality of new lines can be assessed in a rather simple way by determining kernel hardness and dough stability.     

RFLP mapping of the three major genes, Vrn1, Q and B1, on the long arm of chromosome 5A of wheat

Chromosome 5A of wheat carries several major genes of agronomic importance, including Vrn1 controlling spring/winter wheat difference, Q determining spike morphology and B1 inhibiting awn development. A population of single-chromosome recombinant lines from the cross between two chromosome substitution lines, 'Chinese Spring' (Cappelle-Desprez 5A) and 'Chinese Spring' (Triticum spelta 5A) was developed to map these genes on the long arm of chromosome 5A relative to RFLP markers. Using 120 recombinant lines, a map of approximately 230 cM in length was constructed. The gene order was centromere– Vrn1– Q– B1. The Vrn1 locus was tightly linked to two RFLP markers, Xbcd450 and Xrz395 with 0.8 cM, and to Xpsr426 with 5.0 cM. The Vrn1-adjacent region was located in the central of the long arm, approximately 90 cM from the centromere. The chromosome region around Q and the 5A/4A translocation break-point were mapped by three RFLP markers, and their order was found to be Q– Xpsr370– Xcdo457–4A/5A break-point– Xpsr164. The B1 locus was located on the most distal portion of the long arm. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

基于染色体片段置换系对水稻粒形及千粒重QTL检测与稳定性分析

粒形及千粒重是水稻产量的重要影响因素,通过挖掘这些性状的优异基因,对水稻超高产育种具有重要意义。本研究利用1套以籼稻恢复系昌恢121为背景亲本,粳稻越光为供体亲本构建的染色体片段代换系为材料,在3个环境下对水稻粒形及千粒重进行QTL检测及稳定性分析,共检测到59个QTL,分布于1号、2号、3号、4号、5号、6号、7号、10号、11号和12号染色体上,贡献率为0.77%～36.26%,其中发现10个QTL多效位点。值得关注的是qGW2-1、qGW2-2、qGW3-1、qGW3-2、qGL3和qGL12这6个QTL能在3个环境中重复检测到,其中qGW3-1为新鉴定的QTL位点。这些结果为进一步开展水稻粒形基因的精细定位、克隆和分子辅助育种奠定了一定的理论基础。     

Cross prediction in bread wheat germplasm using single seed descent lines

Populations of F₆ recombinant inbred lines, generated by single seed descent from a half diallel among eight bread wheat lines adapted to the East African highlands, were used to identify those crosses that were more likely to produce cultivars which combined resistance to yellow rust with improved yield. Crosses having the most resistant line as one parent offered the best prospect of success, particularly those which produced F₁hybrids exhibiting better parent heterosis. For plot grain yield there was a highly significant correlation between the observed and predicted rankings of the recombinant inbred line populations for the proportion of individual lines equalling or surpassing the target value. For yellow rust severity, however, this correlation was non-significant when a target value of zero was used. Adopting a slightly less stringent target of 0.25, coupled with the omission of two aberrant populations, increased this correlation significantly. The plant breeding implications of these results are discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

大麦重组自交系群体籽粒总花色苷含量和千粒重QTL定位

以云南特有的紫色大麦紫光芒裸二棱和澳大利亚引进的黄色大麦Schooner构建的193个重组自交系为材料,对2013—2015年3年3个试验点的大麦籽粒总花色苷含量和千粒重进行相关性分析和QTL定位。大麦总花色苷含量和千粒重之间呈显著或极显著负相关。共检测到12个总花色苷含量QTL,分别位于1H、2H、4H、6H和7H染色体,贡献率为5.06%～23.86%; 8个千粒重QTL,分别位于2H、4H和7H染色体,贡献率为4.67%～42.32%。贡献率大于10%的QTL有10个,大于20%的有5个,最大的可达42.32%。其中至少2年2点重复检测到2个总花色苷含量QTL,分别位于2H Bmag0125–GBM1309和7H EBmatc0016–Bmag0206区间,可分别解释表型变异的13.66%～17.76%和13.07%～16.43%;3年3点重复检测到2个千粒重QTL,分别位于2HScssr03381–scssr07759和7H GBM1297-GBM1303区间,可分别解释表型变异的4.67%～14.55%和34.51%～42.32%,其加性作用方向均一致。控制总花色苷含量与千粒...     

Genetic analysis and QTL mapping of oil content and seed index using two recombinant inbred lines and two backcross populations in Upland cotton

Cottonseed is one of the main by‐products of cotton. To explore the genetic composition of oil content (OC) and seed index (SI) is helpful for utilizing the cottonseed. Under multiple environmental conditions, the genetic structures of OC and SI were explored using two recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and corresponding backcross (BC) populations in Upland cotton. Twenty‐four and 31 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for OC and SI, respectively, were detected using composite interval mapping, in which 9 QTLs for OC and 18 QTLs controlling SI were simultaneously identified in more than two environments or two populations. Forty‐seven and 37 QTLs with main effects (M‐QTLs) for OC and SI and 114 and 74 QTLs involved in digenic interactions (E‐QTLs), respectively, identified by inclusive composite interval mapping. On average, the E‐QTLs explained a larger portion of the phenotypic variation than the M‐QTLs did. It was concluded that additive effects of single‐locus and epistasis derived from complementary loci with few detectable single‐locus effects played an important role in oil content and seed index in Upland cotton.     

A new powdery mildew resistance gene: Introgression from wild emmer into common wheat and RFLP-based mapping

An Israeli accession (TTD140) of wild emmer, Triticum turgidum var. dicoccoides, was found resistant to several races of powdery mildew. Inoculation of the chromosome-arm substitution lines (CASLs) of TTD140, in the background of the Israeli common wheat cultivar ‘Bethlehem’ (BL), with five isolates of powdery mildew revealed that only the line carrying the short arm of chromosome 2B of wild emmer (CASL 2BS) exhibited complete resistance to four of the five isolates. To map and tag the powdery mildew resistance gene, 41 recombinant substitution lines, derived from a cross between BL and CASL 2BS, were used to construct a linkage map at the gene region. The map, which encompasses 69.5 cM of the distal region of chromosome arm 2BS, contains six RFLP markers, a morphological marker (glaucousness inhibitor, W1 ^I), and the powdery mildew resistance gene. Segregation ratios for resistance in F₂ of BL × CASL 2BS and in the recombinant lines, combined with the susceptability of F₁ progeny to all tested isolates, indicate that resistance is controlled by a single recessive allele. This alleleco-segregated with a polymorphic locus detected by the DNA marker Xwg516, 49.4 cM from the terminal marker Xcdo456. The new powdery mildew resistance gene was designated Pm26. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

QTL analysis for grain weight in common wheat

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for grain weight (GW = 1000 grain weight) in common wheat was conducted using a set of 100 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross ‘Rye Selection 111 (high GW) × Chinese Spring (low GW)’. The RILs and their two parental genotypes were evaluated for GW in six different environments (three locations × two years). Genotyping of RILs was carried out using 449 (30 SSRs, 299 AFLP and 120 SAMPL) polymorphic markers. Using the genotyping data of RILs, framework linkage maps were prepared for three chromosomes (1A, 2B, 7A), which were earlier identified by us to carry important/major genes for GW following monosomic analysis. QTL analysis for GW was conducted following genome-wide single marker regression analysis (SMA) and composite interval mapping (CIM) using molecular maps for the three chromosomes. Following SMA, 12 markers showed associations with GW, individual markers explaining 6.57% to 10.76% PV (phenotypic variation) for GW in individual environments. The high grain weight parent, Rye Selection111, which is an agronomically superior genotype, contributed favourable alleles for GW at six of the 12 marker loci identified through SMA. The CIM identified two stable and definitive QTLs, one each on chromosome arms 2BS and 7AS, which were also identified through SMA, and a third suggestive QTL on 1AS. These QTLs explained 9.06% to 19.85% PV for GW in different environments. The QTL for GW on 7AS is co-located with a QTL for heading date suggesting the occurrence of a QTL having a positive pleiotropic effect on the two traits. Some of the markers identified during the present study may prove useful for marker-assisted selection, while breeding for high GW in common wheat.     

QTL mapping of seedling traits in cucumber using recombinant inbred lines

Seedling traits are important for development, flower bud differentiation, fruit production and fruit quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). In this study, 160 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from crossing wild cucumber inbred line PI 183967 (C. sativus var. hardwickii) with ‘931’ northern China cultivated cucumber inbred line 931, were employed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of cotyledon length (Cl), cotyledon width (Cw), hypocotyl length (Hl), first true leaf length (Fll), first true leaf width (Flw), aboveground fresh biomass (Afb) and aboveground dry biomass (Adb) at seedling stage. A genetic map including 307 SSR markers was developed which spanned 993.3 cM, with an average genetic distance of 3.23 cM between adjacent markers. 36 QTLs associated with the seven traits were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 in four environments (spring and autumn of 2012 and 2013), explaining 6.1 to 23.6% of the observed phenotypic variations. Among the 36 QTLs, 21 were responsible for more than 10% of observed phenotypic variations. We obtained 2, 2, 1 and 3 QTL loci for the traits of Fll, Flw, Afw and Adw, respectively. In addition, genes in the genetic region spanned by SSR15321‐SSR07711 on chr. 5 may contribute to Flw, Afw and Adw.     

Quantitative analysis and QTL mapping for agronomic and fiber traits in an RI population of upland cotton

Genetic mapping is an essential tool for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) molecular breeding and application of DNA markers for cotton improvement. In this present study, we evaluated an RI population including 188 RI lines developed from 94 F₂-derived families and their two parental lines, ‘HS 46’ and ‘MARCABUCAG8US-1-88’, at Mississippi State, MS, for two years. Fourteen agronomic and fiber traits were measured. One hundred forty one (141) polymorphic SSR markers were screened for this population and 125 markers were used to construct a linkage map. Twenty six linkage groups were constructed, covering 125 SSR loci and 965 cM of overall map distance. Twenty four linkage groups (115 SSR loci) were assigned to specific chromosomes. Quantitative genetic analysis showed that the genotypic effects accounted for more than 20% of the phenotypic variation for all traits except fiber perimeter (18%). Fifty six QTLs (LOD > 3.0) associated with 14 agronomic and fiber traits were located on 17 chromosomes. One QTL associated with fiber elongation was located on linkage group LGU01. Nine chromosomes in sub-A genome harbored 27 QTLs with 10 associated with agronomic traits and 17 with fiber traits. Eight chromosomes in D sub-genome harbored 29 QTLs with 13 associated with agronomic traits and 16 with fiber traits. Chromosomes 3, 5, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, and 26 harbor important QTLs for both yield and fiber quality compared to other chromosomes. Since this RI population was developed from an intraspecific cross within upland cotton, these QTLs should be useful for marker assisted selection for improving breeding efficiency in cotton line development. Paper number J1116 of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Mention of trademark, proprietary product, or vendor does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by USDA, ARS and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products or vendors that may also be suitable.     

Comparative mapping and its use for the genetic analysis of agronomic characters in wheat

Summary The advent of molecular marker systems has made it possible to develop comparative genetic maps of the genomes of related species in the Triticeae. These maps are being applied to locate and evaluate allelic and homoeoallelic variation for major genes and quantitative trait loci within wheat, and to establish the pleiotropic effects of genes. Additionally, the known locations of genes in related species can direct searches for homoeologous variation in wheat and thus facilitate the identification of new genes. Examples of such analyses include the validation of the effects of Vrn1 on chromosome 5A on flowering time in different crosses within wheat; the indication of pleiotropic effects for stress responses by the Fr1 locus on chromosome 5A; the detection of homoeologous variation for protein content on the homoeologous Group 5 chromosomes; and the detection of a new photoperiod response gene Ppd-H1 in barley from homoeology with Ppd2 of wheat.     

QTL mapping of net blotch resistance genes in a doubled-haploid population of six-rowed barley

Net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres, is a damaging foliar disease of barley worldwide. It is important to identify resistance germplasm and study their genetics. 'Chevron', a six-rowed barley used as a parent for the production of a doubled haploid (DH) population for mapping of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance, was also found to be resistant to net blotch. To map the resistance genes, the population was evaluated for resistance at the seedling stage in a greenhouse. The resistance data showed a two-peak distribution. Through linkage mapping, one resistance gene, tentatively called Rpt, was located on chromosome 6HS flanked by Xksua3b-Xwg719d, which was also detected by QTL mapping. This QTL explained 64% of the phenotypic variance for the resistance in this DH population. In addition, a minor QTL was found on chromosome 2HS defined by Xcdo786-Xabc156a. 'Chevron' and 'Stander' contributed the resistant alleles of Rpt and the 2HS QTL, respectively. Both QTLs together explained nearly 70% of the phenotypic variance. The markers for these QTLs are useful for marker-assisted selection of net blotch resistance in barley breeding.     

QTL mapping of male sterility-related traits in a photoperiod and temperature-sensitive genic male sterile wheat line BS366

The photoperiod/temperature-sensitive genic male sterile (P/TGMS) character is important for use of heterosis in hybrid wheat. In the present study, the fertility of 172 doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from the cross between a P/TGMS wheat line BS366 and a restorer wheat line Baiyu149 was investigated under both fertile and sterile environments during three cropping seasons. The phenotype was recorded based on the international seed setting rate. A total of 167 SSR and 1,278 SNP markers were used to construct a linkage map, with a total length of 3,748.94 cM and an average marker interval of 2.59 cM. Three QTLs were identified and designated as QF.bhw-2DS, QF.bhw-4BS and QF.bhw-7Al, explaining 6.9%–12.8%, 19.7%–25.6% and 7.2%–8.8% of the phenotypic variances, respectively. These results lay a good basis for application of male sterility-related molecular markers in improvement of two-line hybrid wheat breeding system.