QTL mapping of pod tenderness and total soluble solid in yardlong bean [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. unguiculata cv.-gr. sesquipedalis]

Yardlong bean [Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata cv.-gr. sesquipedalis] is an important vegetable legume, particularly in Asia. Tenderness and sweetness of fresh pods are the key factors in deciding the commercial acceptance of yardlong bean. We report here for the first time quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of these traits from crosses between the yardlong bean accession JP81610 and wild cowpea (V. unguiculata ssp. unguiculata var. spontanea) accession JP89083. Two SSR-based linkage maps developed from BC₁F₁ [(JP81610?×?JP89083)?×?JP81610] and F₂ (JP81610?×?JP89083) populations were used for QTL analysis of pod tenderness and total soluble solid (TSS) content. Composite interval mapping (CIM) identified three QTLs for pod tenderness with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) of 5.6?C50?% and alleles from JP81610 increased the tenderness. CIM detected two QTLs for pod TSS with PVE of 7 and 9?%, and alleles from JP89083 increased TSS. Locations of these QTLs were compared with those of QTLs controlling domestication-related traits identified in the same populations. All QTLs for pod tenderness co-localized with QTLs for pod length. QTLs for pod TSS co-located with QTLs for pod dehiscence and/or pod length. The implications of these QTLs in breeding new yardlong bean and cowpea cultivars are discussed.     

Mapping of quantitative trait loci for floral scent compounds in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

Floral scent is a very important trait in plant evolution. Currently, little is known about the inheritance of floral scent in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) or changes that might have occurred during its domestication. Therefore, we analysed scent volatiles and molecular markers in a population of 159 F₇ recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross of a domesticated blackeye cowpea cultivar, ‘524B’ and a wild accession ‘219‐01’. Using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS) 23 volatile compounds were identified that fall into five general functional categories. Twenty‐two of the compounds displayed quantitative variation in the progeny, and a total of 63 QTLs influencing the amounts of these volatiles were mapped onto the cowpea genetic marker map. Although QTLs for volatile compounds putatively involved in cowpea flower scent were found on 9 of the 11 cowpea chromosomes, they were not evenly distributed with QTLs mainly clustered on LGs 1, LGs 2 and LG 4. Our results serve as a starting point for both more detailed analyses of complex scent biosynthetic pathways and the development of markers for marker‐assisted breeding of scented rose varieties.     

Identification of markers associated with bacterial blight resistance loci in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Cowpea bacterial blight (CoBB), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola (Xav), is a worldwide major disease of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Among different strategies to control the disease including cultural practices, intercropping, application of chemicals, and sowing pathogen-free seeds, planting of cowpea genotypes with resistance to the pathogen would be the most attractive option to the resource poor cowpea farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Breeding resistance cultivars would be facilitated by marker-assisted selection (MAS). In order to identify loci with effects on resistance to this pathogen and map QTLs controlling resistance to CoBB, eleven cowpea genotypes were screened for resistance to bacterial blight using 2 virulent Xav18 and Xav19 strains isolated from Kano (Nigeria). Two cowpea genotypes Danila and Tvu7778 were identified to contrast in their responses to foliar disease expression following leaf infection with pathogen. A set of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) comprising 113 individuals derived from Danila (resistant parent) and Tvu7778 (susceptible parent) were infected with CoBB using leaf inoculation method. The experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions (2007 and 2008) and disease severity was visually assessed using a scale where 0 = no disease and 4 = maximum susceptibility with leaf drop. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic map with 282 SNP markers constructed from the same RIL population was used to perform QTL analysis. Using Kruskall-Wallis and Multiple-QTL model of MapQTL 5, three QTLs, CoBB-1, CoBB-2 and CoBB-3 were identified on linkage group LG3, LG5 and LG9 respectively showing that potential resistance candidate genes cosegregated with CoBB resistance phenotypes. Two of the QTLs CoBB-1, CoBB-2 were consistently confirmed in the two experiments accounting for up to 22.1 and to 17.4% respectively for the first and second experiments. Whereas CoBB-3 was only discovered for the first experiment (2007) with less phenotypic variation explained of about 10%. Our results represent a resource for molecular marker development that can be used for marker assisted selection of bacterial blight resistance in cowpea.     

Quantitative trait analysis of flowering time in spring rapeseed (B. napus L.)

The inheritance of flowering time trait in spring-type rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is poorly understood, and the investigations on mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the trait are only few. We identified QTL underlying variation for flowering time in a doubled haploid (DH) mapping population of nonvernalization-responsive canola (B. napus L.) cultivar 465 and line 86 containing introgressions from Houyou11, a Chinese early-flowering cultivar in Brassica rapa L. Significant genetic variation in flowering time and response to photoperiod were observed among the DH lines from 465/86. A molecular linkage map was generated comprising three types of markers loci. QTL analysis indicated that flowering time is a complex trait and is controlled by at least 4 major loci, localized on four different linkage groups A6, A7, C8 and C9. These loci each accounted for between 9.2 and 12.56 % of the total genotypic variation for first flowering. The published high-density maps for flowering time mapping used different marker systems, and the parents of our crosses have different genetic origins, with either spring-type B. napus or B. rapa. So we cannot determine whether the QTL on the same linkage groups were in the same region or not. There was evidence of additive × additive epistatic effects for flowering time in the DH population. Epistasis existed not only between main-effect QTLs, but also between QTLs with minor effects. Four pair of epistasis effects between minor QTLs explained about 20 % of the genetic variance observed in the DH population. The results indicated that minor QTLs for flowering time should not be ignored. Significant genotypes × environment interactions were also found for the quantitative traits, and with significant change in the ranking of the DH lines in different environments. The results implied that FQ3 was a non-environment-specific QTL and may control flowering time by autonomous pathway. FQ4 were winter-environment-specific QTL and may control flowering time by photoperiod-pathway. Identification of the chromosomal location and effect of the genes influencing flowering time may hasten the development of canola varieties having an optimal time for flowering in target environments such as for high altitude areas, via marker-assisted selection.     

Quantitative trait locus analysis of nitrogen use efficiency in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was conducted on data generated from two pot experiments carried out in 2005 (using four nitrogen rates) and 2008 (with three rates) with AFLP markers and 94 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of the Prisma × Apex mapping population. In total 41 QTLs were detected on 6 chromosomes and for 18 traits in both trials. About 95 % of the detected QTLs were with major additive effects. The percentage of variance accounted for by individual QTLs in the multiple QTL mapping model ranged from 8.4 to 54.4 % across all mapped traits in both years. Fifteen QTLs were related to NUE and its components; most of these QTLs were detected at lower nitrogen rates and none at the highest rate in both trials. These QTLs were found on Chromosomes 3(3H) and 7(5H) in 2005 and Chromosome 2(2H) in 2008. Except for the QTLs of plant height and NUE based on grain yield, none of the QTLs which were detected for a given trait in 2005, expressed themselves in 2008 irrespective of the nitrogen levels. QTLs controlling some traits were co-located in each year, and QTLs for many traits were detected on the same chromosome and close to the denso locus. Further research is needed to investigate the possibility to reduce nitrogen fertilizer requirements through breeding while maintaining high yield of barley.     

A genetic linkage map of Vigna vexillata

Vigna vexillata is a wild cross‐incompatible relative of cowpea. It is highly resistant to several diseases and pests plaguing cowpea. A linkage map was developed for V. vexillata comprising 120 markers, including 70 random amplified polymorphic DNAs, 47 amplified fragment length polymorphisms, one simple sequence repeat and two morphological traits namely, the cowpea mottle carmovirus resistance locus (CPMo V) and leaf shape (La), utilizing an F₂ generation of the intra‐specific cross Tvnu 1443’× Tvnu 73′. The genetic map comprised 14 linkage groups spanning 1564.1 cM of the genome. Thirty‐nine quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with nine traits were detected on the linkage map, explaining between 15.62 and 66.58% of their phenotypic variation. Seven chromosomal intervals contained QTLs with effects on multiple traits.     

Genetic mapping of QTLs for horticulture traits in a F2-3 population of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

An extensive genetic linkage map was constructed for bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) via the study of F₂ progenies derived from two cultivated inbred lines (gynoecia Z-1-4 and 189-4-1). The map included 194 loci on 11 chromosomes consisting of 26 EST-SSR loci, 28 SSR loci, 124 AFLP loci, and 16 SRAP loci. This map covered 1005.9 cM with 12 linkage groups. A total of 43 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), with a single QTL associated with 5.1–33.1 % phenotypic variance, were identified on nine chromosomes for 13 horticulture traits by analyzing the F_2-3 families and the genetic linkage map. The 13 horticulture traits which were investigated in three environments included female flower ratios (FFR), first female flower node (FFFN), fruit length, fruit diameter, flesh thickness, fruit shape, fruit pedicel length, fruit length pedicel ratios, fruit weight (FW), fruit numbers per plant (FPP), yield per plant (YPP), stem diameter (SD), and internodes length (IL). One QTL cluster region was detected on Lg-5 which contained the most important QTLs for YPP, FPP, FFFN, FFR, and FW with high contributions to phenotypic variance (5.8–25.4 %).     

Construction of a genetic linkage map and QTL analysis of fiber-related traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A genetic linkage map with 70 loci (55 SSR, 12 AFLP and 3 morphological loci) was constructed using 117 F₂ plants obtained from a cross between two upland cotton cultivars Yumian 1 and T586, which have relatively high levels of DNA marker polymorphism and differ remarkably in fiber-related traits. The linkage map comprised of 20 linkage groups, covering 525 cM with an average distance of 7.5 cM between two markers, or approximately 11.8% of the recombination length of the cotton genome. The present genetic linkage map was used to identify and map the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting lint percentage and fiber quality traits in 117 F_2:3 family lines. Sixteen QTLs for lint percentage and fiber quality traits were identified in six linkage groups by multiple interval mapping: four QTLs for lint percentage, two QTLs for fiber 2.5% span length, three QTLs for fiber length uniformity, three QTLs for fiber strength, two QTLs for fiber elongation and two QTLs for micronaire reading. The QTL controlling fiber-related traits were mainly additive, and meanwhile including dominant and overdominant. Several QTLs affecting different fiber-related traits were detected within the same chromosome region, suggesting that genes controlling fiber traits may be linked or the result of pleiotropy.     

Identification of QTLs for alpha acid content and yield in hop (Humulus Lupulus L.)

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite (SSR) markers were applied to a segregation population of 111 genotypes derived from a pseudo-testcross of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) in order to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for alpha-acid content and yield traits. A total of 199 markers (150 AFLPs, 43 SSRs, one hypothetical sex marker, five chs genes) were located on the 20 linkage groups (LGs) of the maternal and paternal maps, covering 706 and 616 cM, respectively. Due to the presence of 16 common biparental SSR markers, homology of seven LGs between parental maps could be inferred. The progeny segregated quantitatively for alpha-acid content and yield determined in the years from 2002–2006. A total of 13 putative QTLs for alpha acid content, 13 for dry cone weight and 18 for harvest index were identified on the two maps across years. Possible homologies between the detected QTLs on the two maps as well as in different years were established for all three traits. The most promising QTL for alpha acid content was identified on LG03 flanked by two AFLP markers (E-ACC-M-CAA103F*/P-ACA-M-CAC412F). From 13.80 to 36.64% higher content of alpha acids than the averages obtained in different years was observed in plants having both flanking markers. The candidate region for further characterization of QTLs for yield traits was located on LG01 where the putative QTLs for harvest index were detected on both maps in each of the 5 years. The QTLs identified represent an important improvement in alpha acids MAS and the first step towards marker-assisted breeding for hop yield.     

Evaluation of the effects of five QTL regions on Fusarium head blight resistance and agronomic traits in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions for resistance to FHB and estimate their effects on reducing FHB damage to wheat in Hokkaido, northern Japan. We examined 233 F₁-derived doubled-haploid (DH) lines from a cross between ‘Kukeiharu 14’ and ‘Sumai 3’ to determine their reaction to FHB during two seasons under field conditions. The DH lines were genotyped at five known FHB-resistance QTL regions (on chromosomes 3BS, 5AS, 6BS, 2DL and 4BS) by using SSR markers. ‘Sumai 3’ alleles at the QTLs at 3BS and 5AS effectively reduced FHB damage in the environment of Hokkaido, indicating that these QTLs will be useful for breeding spring wheat cultivars suitable for Hokkaido. Some of the QTL regions influenced agronomic traits: ‘Sumai 3’ alleles at the 4BS and 5AS QTLs significantly increased stem length and spike length, that at the 2DL QTL significantly decreased grain weight, and that at the 6BS QTL significantly delayed heading, indicating pleiotropic or linkage effects between these agronomic traits and FHB resistance.     

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with maintenance of wheat (Triticum aestivum Desf.) quality characteristics under heat stress conditions

The goal of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the maintenance of wheat grain quality following post-anthesis heat stress in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. The response to heat stress was measured using the sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation test (SDSS), a significant predictor of bread baking quality. SDSS scores were used to identify QTLs associated with grain quality and QTLs associated with quality stability were identified based on percent change in SDSS score between the heat stress and control treatments. Four QTLs were identified, located one each on linkage groups 1B, 1D, 4A, and 7A. The 1B, 1D, and 4A QTLs were associated with grain quality; the QTL on linkage group 7A was associated with quality stability. To confirm the detected QTLs, eighty advanced lines grown at three Texas nurseries were tested for relationships between allelic polymorphism at QTL linked markers and quality traits. Quality trait stability in the advanced lines was estimated using the coefficient of variability (CV%) of quality traits between nurseries. The analysis supported the relationship of the predicted QTLs on linkage groups 1B, 1D, and 4A with quality traits. The confirmed QTLs may be used in marker assisted selection (MAS) to develop wheat lines possessing superior quality traits. In addition, identification of genetic regions associated with this trait will aid the identification of the underlying genes.     

Quantitative trait locus mapping of floral and related traits using an F2 population of Aquilegia

The objective of this study was to determine quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying ten floral and related traits in Aquilegia. The traits assessed were calyx diameter, corolla diameter, petal length, petal blade length, sepal length, sepal width, spur length, spur width, plant height and flower number. These are important traits for ornamental value and reproductive isolation of Aquilegia. QTL analysis of these traits was conducted using single‐marker analysis and composite interval mapping (CIM). We used an F₂ population consisting of 148 individuals derived from a cross between the Chinese wild species Aquilegia oxysepala and the cultivar Aquilegia flabellata ‘pumila’. Resulting CIM analysis identified 39 QTLs associated with these traits, which were mapped on seven linkage groups. These QTLs could explain 1.22–53.28% of the phenotypic variance. Thirty‐one QTLs, which explained more than 10% of the phenotypic variation, were classified as major QTLs. Graphical representations of the QTLs on seven linkage groups were made. Our research provides the potential for future molecular assisted selection breeding programmes and the cloning of target genes through fine mapping.     

Identification and validation of a yield-enhancing QTL cluster in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Improvement of rice grain yield (YD) is an important goal in rice breeding. YD is determined by its related traits such as spikelet fertility (SF), 1,000-grain weight (TGW), and the number of spikelets per panicle (SPP). We previously mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for SPP and TGW using the recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the crosses between Minghui 63 and Teqing. In this study, four QTLs for SF and four QTLs for YD were detected in the RILs. Comparison of the locations of QTLs for these three yield-related traits identified one QTL cluster in the interval between RM3400 and RM3646 on chromosome 3. The QTL cluster contained three QTLs, SPP3a, SF3 and TGW3a, but no YD QTL was located there. To validate the QTL cluster, a BC₄F₂ population was obtained, in which SPP3a, SF3 and TGW3a were simultaneously mapped to the same region. SPP3a, SF3 and TGW3a explained 36.3, 29.5 and 59.0 % of phenotype variance with additive effect of 16.4 spikelets, 6 % SF and 1.8 g grain weight, respectively. In the BC₄F₂ population, though the region has opposite effects on TGW and SPP/SF, a YD QTL YD3 identified in this cluster region can increase 4.6 g grains per plant, which suggests this QTL cluster is a yield-enhancing QTL cluster and can be targeted to improve rice yield by marker aided selection.     

Identification of QTLs for fruit quality traits in Japanese apples: QTLs for early ripening are tightly related to preharvest fruit drop

Many important apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit quality traits are regulated by multiple genes, and more information about quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits is required for marker-assisted selection. In this study, we constructed genetic linkage maps of the Japanese apple cultivars ‘Orin’ and ‘Akane’ using F₁ seedlings derived from a cross between these cultivars. The ‘Orin’ map consisted of 251 loci covering 17 linkage groups (LGs; total length 1095.3 cM), and the ‘Akane’ map consisted of 291 loci covering 18 LGs (total length 1098.2 cM). We performed QTL analysis for 16 important traits, and found that four QTLs related to harvest time explained about 70% of genetic variation, and these will be useful for marker-assisted selection. The QTL for early harvest time in LG15 was located very close to the QTL for preharvest fruit drop. The QTL for skin color depth was located around the position of MYB1 in LG9, which suggested that alleles harbored by ‘Akane’ are regulating red color depth with different degrees of effect. We also analyzed soluble solids and sugar component contents, and found that a QTL for soluble solids content in LG16 could be explained by the amount of sorbitol and fructose.     

RFLP mapping of an aphid resistance gene in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Summary Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis has several advantages over traditional methods of genetic linkage mapping, one of these being the starting point for map-based cloning. The recent development of an RFLP map of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) has allowed the investigation of associations between genes of interest and RFLP markers. A cross between an aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) resistant cultivated cowpea, TT84S-2246-4, and an aphid susceptible wild cowpea, NI 963, was screened for both aphid phenotype and RFLP marker segregation. One RFLP marker, bg4D9b, was found to be tightly linked to the aphid resistance gene (Rac ₁) and several flanking markers in the same linkage group (linkage group 1) were also identified. The close association of Rac ₁ and RFLP bg4D9b presents a real potential for cloning this insect resistance gene.     

利用东乡普通野生稻染色体片段置换系定位产量相关性状QTL

以东乡普通野生稻和日本晴为亲本构建的染色体片段置换系为研究材料,2019年分别在北京、山东临沂和江西南昌对分蘖数、穗粒数和粒形等11个产量相关性状进行多环境鉴定,结合染色体片段置换系基因型数据定位水稻产量相关性状QTL。3个环境共检测到68个QTL,包括株高4个、穗长5个、分蘖数2个、一次枝梗数7个、一次枝梗粒数8个、二次枝梗数8个、二次枝梗粒数10个、每穗粒数6个、千粒重7个、粒长8个和粒宽3个;LOD值介于2.50~12.66之间,贡献率变幅为4.67%~27.79%,15个QTL的贡献率大于15%;24个QTL与已报道位点/基因位置重叠,44个QTL为新发现位点;6个QTL在2个环境能被检测到,1个QTL qTGW2能在3个环境检测到,且是还未报道的新位点。最后,利用BSA法验证了qPH7、qPBPP8-2和qGW10三个QTL的可靠性。本研究将为后续产量相关性状基因克隆以及进一步解析其遗传基础和分子调控机制奠定基础。     

Detection of QTL for forage yield,lodging resistance and spring vigor traits in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an internationally significant forage crop. Forage yield, lodging resistance and spring vigor are important agronomic traits conditioned by quantitative genetic and environmental effects. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and molecular markers associated with increased forage yield, resistance to lodging, and spring vigor. A backcross population composed of 128 progeny was developed by crossing the breeding parents DW000577 (lodging susceptible) and NL002724 (lodging-resistant) and back-crossing an individual F₁ plant to the maternal parent (i.e. DW000577). A linkage map of NL002724 was developed based upon the segregation of 236 AFLP, SRAP, and SSR markers among the backcross progeny. The markers were distributed among 14 linkage groups, covering an estimated recombination distance of 1497.6 centiMorgans (cM). Replicated clones of both parents and backcross progeny were evaluated in the field for estimated forage yield, lodging, and spring vigor in Washington and Wisconsin during 2007 and 2008. Significant QTL were found for all three traits. In particular, two QTL for lodging resistance were identified that explained ≥14 % of trait variation, and were significant in all years and locations. Major QTL explaining over 25 % of trait variation for forage yield were detected in multiple environments at two separate locations on chromosome III. Several QTL for spring vigor were located in the same or similar positions as QTL for forage yield, possibly explaining the significant correlation between these traits. Molecular markers associated with the aforementioned QTL were also identified.     

Identification of drought responsive QTLs during vegetative growth stage of rice using a saturated GBS-based SNP linkage map

Drought is a major abiotic constraint for rice production worldwide. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for drought tolerance traits identified in earlier studies have large confidence intervals due to low density linkage maps. Further, these studies largely focused on the above ground traits. Therefore, this study aims to identify QTLs for root and shoot traits at the vegetative growth stage using a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) based saturated SNP linkage map. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from a cross between Cocodrie and N-22 was evaluated for eight morphological traits under drought stress. Drought was imposed to plants grown in 75 cm long plastic pots at the vegetative growth stage. Using a saturated SNP linkage map, 14 additive QTLs were identified for root length, shoot length, fresh root mass, fresh shoot mass, number of tillers, dry root mass, dry shoot mass, and root-shoot ratio. Majority of the drought responsive QTLs were located on chromosome 1. The expression of QTLs varied under stress and irrigated condition. Shoot length QTLs qSL1.38 and qSL1.11 were congruent to dry shoot mass QTL qDSM1.38 and dry root mass QTL qDRM1.11, respectively. Analysis of genes present within QTL confidence intervals revealed many potential candidate genes such as laccase, Calvin cycle protein, serine threonine protein kinase, heat shock protein, and WRKY protein. Another important gene, Brevis radix, present in the root length QTL region, was known to modulate root growth through cell proliferation and elongation. The candidate genes and the QTL information will be helpful for marker-assisted pyramiding to improve drought tolerance in rice.     

Genetic studies on saline and sodic tolerances in soybean

Salt-affected soils are generally classified into two main categories: saline and sodic (alkaline). Developing and using soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) cultivars with high salt tolerance is an effective way of maintaining sustainable production in areas where soybean growth is threatened by salt stress. Early classical genetics studies revealed that saline tolerance was conditioned by a single dominant gene. Recently, a series of studies consistently revealed a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for saline tolerance located on linkage group N (chromosome 3) around the SSR markers Satt255 and Sat_091; other minor QTLs were also reported. In the case of sodic tolerance, most studies focused on iron deficiency caused by a high soil pH, and several QTLs associated with iron deficiency were identified. A wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. & Zucc.) accession with high sodic tolerance was recently identified, and a significant QTL for sodic tolerance was detected on linkage group D2 (chromosome 17). These studies demonstrated that saline and sodic tolerances were controlled by different genes in soybean. DNA markers closely associated with these QTLs can be used for marker-assisted selection to pyramid tolerance genes in soybean for both saline and sodic stresses.     

Independent selection for seed free tryptophan content and vernalization response in chickpea domestication

Chickpea shows a distinct domestication trajectory vis‐a‐vis pod dehiscence and growth cycle mediated by vernalization insensitivity compared with its companion Near Eastern legumes. Our objectives were: (i) to map the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with vernalization response and seed free tryptophan in domesticated × wild chickpea progeny and (ii) estimate the genetic correlation between vernalization response and free tryptophan content. A domesticated × wild chickpea cross was used to document phenotypic segregation in both traits and to construct a skeletal genetic map for QTL detection. A number of vernalization response and seed free tryptophan content QTLs were documented in both F₂ and F₃ generations. No significant genetic correlation between these two traits was observed. Epistatic relationship between two free tryptophan loci was documented. It is evident that selection for high seed tryptophan is easier to accomplish relative to selection for vernalization insensitivity. This suggests that the two traits were selected independently in antiquity, thereby corroborating earlier claims for conscious selection processes associated with chickpea domestication.