水稻F2不育和抽穗期QTL分析

对台中65（粳稻）/Bhadua（籼稻）杂交F2代群体构建了RFLP连锁图谱,含94个分布较为均匀的标记。对F2小穗不育性状进行单点分析和区间分析的结果基本一致：有两个F2小穗不育QTL座位分别位于染色体1的XNpb113～XNpb346之间和染色体8的G187～XNpb397之间,而且该两个QTL均为新检测出的座位;检测出5个抽穗期TQL,其中3个座位在单点分析和区间分析中的结果一致,分别位于染色体1的XNpb113～XNpb346,染色体4的C891～C335,染色体的8的C166～C1121,另外,染色体6的XNpb27为单点分析结果,染色体10的R716～C405为区间分析结果。由于染色体1上的F2不育QTL和抽穗期QTL重叠,该QTL座位是由于遗传效应所至还是由于环境因素（迟抽穗）所至有待构建近等基因系进一步研究。;位于染色体1和10上的抽穗期QTL座位为新检测的座位。对新检测的F2不育和抽穗期QTL座位正在建立相应的近等基因系以精确定位和克隆上述基因。     

Identification of QTLs for eight agronomically important traits using an ultra-high-density map based on SNPs generated from high-throughput sequencing in sorghum under contrasting photoperiods

The productivity of sorghum is mainly determined by agronomically important traits. The genetic bases of these traits have historically been dissected and analysed through quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping based on linkage maps with low-throughput molecular markers, which is one of the factors that hinder precise and complete information about the numbers and locations of the genes or QTLs controlling the traits. In this study, an ultra-high-density linkage map based on high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated from low-coverage sequences (~0.07 genome sequence) in a sorghum recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was constructed through new sequencing technology. This map consisted of 3418 bin markers and spanned 1591.4 cM of genome size with an average distance of 0.5 cM between adjacent bins. QTL analysis was performed and a total of 57 major QTLs were detected for eight agronomically important traits under two contrasting photoperiods. The phenotypic variation explained by individual QTLs varied from 3.40% to 33.82%. The high accuracy and quality of this map was evidenced by the finding that genes underlying two cloned QTLs, Dw3 for plant height (chromosome 7) and Ma1 for flowering time (chromosome 6), were localized to the correct genomic regions. The close associations between two genomic regions on chromosomes 6 and 7 with multiple traits suggested the existence of pleiotropy or tight linkage. Several major QTLs for heading date, plant height, numbers of nodes, stem diameter, panicle neck length, and flag leaf width were detected consistently under both photoperiods, providing useful information for understanding the genetic mechanisms of the agronomically important traits responsible for the change of photoperiod.     

Detection of QTLs for heading time and photoperiod response in wheat using a doubled-haploid population.

The genetic basis of heading time in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was investigated through the study of flowering under normal autumn sown field conditions as well as photoperiod responses under a controlled environment. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits were mapped in a doubled-haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between the wheat cultivars 'Courtot' and 'Chinese Spring'. A molecular marker linkage map of this cross that was previously constructed based on 187 DH lines and 380 markers was used for QTL mapping. The genome was well covered (85%) except for chromosomes 1D and 4D, and a set of anchor loci regularly spaced over the genome (one marker each 15.5 cM) was chosen for marker regression analysis. The presence of a QTL was declared at a significance threshold of alpha = 0.005. The population was grown under field conditions in Clermont-Ferrand, France during two years (1994-1995), in Norwich, U.K. over one year (1998), and also under controlled environments in Norwich. For each trait, between 2 and 4 QTLs were identified with individual effects ranging between 6.3% and 44.4% of the total phenotypic variation. Two QTLs were detected that simultaneously affected heading time and photoperiod response. For heading time, these two QTLs were detected in more than one year. One QTL located on chromosome arm 2BS near the locus Xfbb121-2B, co-segregated with the gene Ppd-B1 known to be involved in photoperiod response. This chromosome region explained a large part of the variation (23.4-44.4% depending on the years or the traits). Another region located on chromosome arm 7BS between the loci Xfbb324-7B and Xfbb53-7B also had a strong effect (7.3-15.3%). This region may correspond to a QTL for earliness per se.     

Molecular mapping of Fusarium head blight resistance in the winter wheat population Dream/Lynx

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum, can significantly reduce the grain quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) due to mycotoxin contamination. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for FHB resistance in a winter wheat population developed by crossing the resistant German cultivar Dream with the susceptible British cultivar Lynx. A total of 145 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were evaluated following spray inoculation with a F. culmorum suspension in field trials in 2002 in four environments across Germany. Based on amplified fragment length polymorphism and simple sequence repeat marker data, a 1,734 cM linkage map was established assuming that the majority of the polymorphic parts of the genome were covered. The area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated based on the visually scored FHB symptoms. The population segregated quantitatively for FHB severity. Composite interval mapping analysis for means across the environments identified four FHB resistance QTLs on chromosomes 6AL, 1B, 2BL and 7BS. Individually the QTLs explained 19%, 12%, 11% and 21% of the phenotypic variance, respectively, and together accounted for 41%. The QTL alleles conferring resistance on 6AL, 2BL and 7BS originated from cv. Dream. The resistance QTL on chromosome 6AL partly overlapped with a QTL for plant height. The FHB resistance QTL on 7BS coincided with a QTL for heading date, but the additive effect on heading date was of minor importance. The resistance QTL on chromosome 1B was associated with the T1BL.1RS wheat-rye translocation of Lynx.     

上位性和QTL×环境互作对水稻(Oryza sativa L.)抽穗期的影响

水稻抽穗期是重要的农艺性状之一,对水稻品种的地理分布和适应性起到关键性作用。适宜的抽穗期是获得高产的前提。因此确定水稻抽穗期的遗传基础在育种计划中具有重要的意义。本研究用一套来源于亲本IR64/Azucena的双单倍体（DH）群体在两个种植季节的试验资料,用基于混合线性模型的复合区间作图方法,对水稻抽穗期QTL的加性、上位性及其与环境互作效应进行了研究。结果表明共有14个QTL影响水稻抽穗期,它们分布在除第5和第9条染色体外的10条染色体上,有8个位点携带单位点效应,5对位点携带双位点互作效应,2个单位点和1对双位点存在与环境的互作,所有效应值介于1.179～2.549天之间,相应的贡献率为1.04%～4.84%。基于所估算的QTL效应值,本研究预测了两个亲本和两个极端型品系的遗传效应值,并讨论了影响遗传效应值与实际观测值偏差的可能原因,以及研究群体所具有的遗传潜力。对水稻抽穗期QTL的定位结果与前人研究基本一致,并进一步证实了上位性和QE互作效应是水稻抽穗期的重要遗传基础。     

Identification of genetic loci associated with ear-emergence in bread wheat

A doubled haploid population constructed from a cross between the South Australian wheat cultivars ‘Trident’ and ‘Molineux’ was grown under winter field conditions, under field conditions over summer and under artificial light both with and without vernalisation. The duration from planting to ear-emergence was recorded and QTL associated with heading date were detected using a previously constructed genetic linkage map. Associations were shown with chromosomal regions syntenous to previously identified photoperiod (Ppd-B1) and vernalisation (Vrn-A1) sensitive loci. Additional QTL associated with time to heading were also identified on chromosomes 1A, 2A, 2B, 6D, 7A and 7B. Comparisons between the genetic associations observed under the different growing conditions allowed the majority of these loci to be classified as having either photoperiod-sensitive, vernalisation-sensitive or earliness per se actions. The identification of a photoperiod-sensitive QTL on chromosome 1A provides evidence for a wheat gene possibly homoeologous to Ppd-H2 previously identified on chromosome 1H of barley. The occurrence of a putative major gene for photoperiod sensitivity observed on chromosome 7A is presented. The combined additive effects at these loci accounted for more than half the phenotypic variance in the duration from planting to ear-emergence in this population. The possible role of these loci on the adaptation of wheat in Australia is discussed.     

Novel QTLs for photoperiodic flowering revealed by using reciprocal backcross inbred lines from crosses between japonica rice cultivars

The rice japonica cultivars Nipponbare and Koshihikari differ in heading date and response of heading to photoperiod (photoperiod sensitivity). Using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, we conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses for heading date in a set of reciprocal backcross inbred lines (BILs) from crosses between Nipponbare and Koshihikari. Under natural-day conditions, transgressive segregation in days to heading (DTH) toward both early and late heading was observed in both BIL populations. QTL analyses revealed that two QTLs-on chromosomes 3 and 6-were involved in the difference in heading date between the parental cultivars. The Nipponbare allele at the QTLs on chromosomes 3 and 6 showed, respectively, increasing and decreasing effects on DTH in both BIL populations. The transgressive segregation observed in the BILs could be accounted for mainly by the complementary action of a set of alleles with opposing effects. Both QTLs were finely mapped as single Mendelian factors in secondary mapping populations (BC(2)F(2) plants/BC(2)F(3) lines). The QTL on chromosome 3 was mapped in the 1,140-kb interval between 94O03-4 (SSR) and OJ21G19-4 (SNP) and was designated Hd16. The QTL on chromosome 6 was mapped in the 328-kb interval between P548D347 (SSR) and 0007O20 (SSR) and was designated Hd17. Both Hd16 and Hd17 were involved in photoperiod sensitivity, as revealed by observation of the DTH of nearly isogenic lines of Nipponbare under short- and long-day conditions, suggesting that allelic differences in both Hd16 and Hd17 account for most of the difference in photoperiod sensitivity between the parental cultivars.     

Genetic loci in the photoperiod pathway interactively modulate reproductive development of winter wheat

Responses to photoperiod and low temperature are the two primary adaptive mechanisms which enable wheat plants to synchronize developmental processes with changes in seasonal climate. In this study, the developmental process was characterized at two stages: stem length during the onset of stem elongation and heading date. These two developmental events were monitored and mapped in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of a population generated from a cross between two complementary and locally adapted hard winter wheat cultivars. ‘Intrada’ undergoes stem elongation earlier but reaches heading later, whereas ‘Cimarron’ undergoes stem elongation later but reaches heading earlier. Variation in the developmental process in this population was associated with three major QTLs centered on Xbarc200 on chromosome 2B, PPD-D1 on chromosome 2D, and Xcfd14 on chromosome 7D. The Intrada Xbarc200 and Xcfd14 alleles and the Cimarron PPD-D1 allele accelerated both stem elongation and heading stages, or the Cimarron Xbarc200 and Xcfd14 alleles and the Intrada PPD-D1 allele delayed both stem elongation and heading stages. Integrative effects of the three QTLs accounted for 43% (initial stem length) and 68% (heading date) of the overall phenotypic variation in this population. PPD-D1 is a reasonable candidate gene for the QTL on chromosome 2D, PPD-B1 could be associated with the QTL on chromosome 2B, but VRN-D3 (=FT-D1) was not linked with the QTL on chromosome 7D, suggesting that this is a novel locus involved in winter wheat development. Because the PPD-D1 QTL was observed to interact with other two QTLs, all of these QTLs could play a role in the same pathway as involved in photoperiod response of winter wheat.     

拔节期与抽穗期玉米抗纹枯病相关QTL的初步定位

以玉米自交系R15(抗)×478(感)的F_2分离群体为作图群体,构建了包含146个SSR标记位点的遗传连锁图谱,覆盖玉米基因组1666 cM,平均图距11．4 cM。通过麦粒嵌入法对229个F_(2：4)家系进行人工接种纹枯病菌,于玉米拔节期和抽穗期进行纹枯病的抗性鉴定。应用复合区间作图法分析两个时期的抗病QTL及遗传效应。结果共检测到17个抗性QTL,其中以拔节期病情指数为指标共检测到9个QTL,分别位于第1、2、3、4、5、6、和10染色体上,可解释的表型变异为3．72%-9．26%;以抽穗期的病情指数为指标共在7条染色体上检测到10个抗玉米纹枯病的QTL,分布于第2、3、4、5、6、8和9染色体上。单个QTL可解释的表型变异为4．27%-9．27%。两个时期共检测出2个共同QTL,它们分别位于第2染色体的bnlgl662-bnlg1940区间和第6染色体的umc1006-umc1723区间。定位结果表明两个时期检测出的抗性QTL的差异表达与玉米不同发育时期基因的时空表达有密切关系,从而反映在纹枯病的抗性位点差异性上．这为玉米抗病选育提供新的信息。     

Mapping quantitative trait loci controlling seed dormancy and heading date in rice, Oryza sativa L., using backcross inbred lines

 To detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling seed dormancy, 98 BC₁F₅ lines (backcross inbred lines) derived from a backcross of Nipponbare (japonica)/Kasalath (indica)//Nipponbare were analyzed genetically. We used 245 RFLP markers to construct a framework linkage map. Five putative QTLs affecting seed dormancy were detected on chromosomes 3, 5, 7 (two regions) and 8, respectively. Phenotypic variations explained by each QTL ranged from 6.7% to 22.5% and the five putative QTLs explained about 48% of the total phenotypic variation in the BC₁F₅ lines. Except for those of the QTLs on chromosome 8, the Nipponbare alleles increased the germination rate. Five putative QTLs controlling heading date were detected on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, respectively. The phenotypic variation explained by each QTL for heading date ranged from 5.7% to 23.4% and the five putative QTLs explained about 52% of the total phenotypic variation. The Nipponbare alleles increased the number of days to heading, except for those of two QTLs on chromosomes 2 and 3. The map location of a putative QTL for heading date coincided with that of a major QTL for seed dormancy on chromosome 3, although two major heading-date QTLs did not coincide with any seed dormancy QTLs detected in this study. Received: 10 October 1997 / Accepted: 12 January 1998     

上位性和QTL×环境互作对水稻(Oryza sativa L.)抽穗期的影响

水稻抽穗期是重要的农艺性状之一,对水稻品种的地理分布和适应性起到关键性作用。适宜的抽穗期是获得高产的前提。因此确定水稻抽穗期的遗传基础在育种计划中具有重要的意义。本研究用一套来源于亲本IR64/Azucena的双单倍体(DH)群体在两个种植季节的试验资料,用基于混合线性模型的复合区间作图方法,对水稻抽穗期QTL的加性、上位性及其与环境互作效应进行了研究。结果表明共有14个QTL影响水稻抽穗期,它们分布在除第5和第9条染色体外的10条染色体上,有8个位点携带单位点效应,5对位点携带双位点互作效应,2个单位点和1对双位点存在与环境的互作,所有效应值介于1.179～2.549天之间,相应的贡献率为1.04%～4.84%。基于所估算的QTL效应值,本研究预测了两个亲本和两个极端型品系的遗传效应值,并讨论了影响遗传效应值与实际观测值偏差的可能原因,以及研究群体所具有的遗传潜力。对水稻抽穗期QTL的定位结果与前人研究基本一致,并进一步证实了上位性和QE互作效应是水稻抽穗期的重要遗传基础。     

Detection of quantitative trait loci for heading date based on the doubled haploid progeny of two elite Chinese wheat cultivars

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with epistatic and QTL × environment (QE) interaction for heading date were studied using a doubled haploid (DH) population containing 168 progeny lines derived from a cross between two elite Chinese wheat cultivars Huapei 3 × Yumai 57 (Triticum aestivum L.). A genetic map was constructed based on 305 marker loci, consisting of 283 SSR loci and 22 EST-SSR markers, which covered a total length of 2141.7 cM with an average distance of 7.02 cM between adjacent markers in the genome. QTL analyses were performed using a mixed linear model approach. Two main-effect QTLs and two pairs of digenic epistatic effects were detected for heading date on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 5D, 6D, 7A, and 7D at three different environments in 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons. A highly significant QTL with an F-value 148.96, designated as Qhd5D, was observed within the Xbarc320-Xwmc215 interval on chromosome 5DL, accounting for 53.19% of the phenotypic variance and reducing days-to-heading by 2.77 days. The Qhd5D closely links with a PCR marker Xwmc215 with the genetic distance 2.1 cM, which can be used in molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) in wheat breeding programs. Moreover, the Qhd5D was located on the similar position of well-characterised vernalization sensitivity gene Vrn-D1. We are also spending more efforts to develop near-isogenic lines to finely map the Qhd5D and clone the gene Vrn-D1 through map-based cloning. The Qhd1B with additive effect on heading date has not been reported in previous linkage mapping studies, which might be a photoperiod-sensitive gene homoeologous to the Ppd-H2 gene on chromosome 1B. No main-effect QTLs for heading date were involved in epistatic effects.     

玉米雄穗分枝数与主轴长的QTL鉴定

在包含103个SSR标记的连锁图谱基础上, 运用复合区间作图法检测玉米组合(N87-1×9526 )F3家系在正常与干旱胁迫环境下的雄穗分枝数与主轴长性状QTL。雄穗分枝数在正常环境下被检测到2个QTL座位, 分别位于第5和7连锁群上; 在胁迫环境下被检测到4个QTL座位分别位于 2、5、7和10连锁群上, 其中位于第5和7连锁群上的QTL不仅具有一致性而且与本作图群体中曾检测到的耐旱相关性状QTL存在连锁。雄穗主轴长在正常环境下被检测到2个QTL位于第2和第6连锁群上, 在干旱胁迫环境下被检测到了3个QTL分别于第2、4和10连锁群上, 其中位于第2染色体上的QTL是两种环境下所共同检测到的QTL。分析QTL的遗传作用方式表明, 雄穗分枝数以部分加性效应为主, 而雄主轴长全部表现为显性和超显性。     

QTLs for heading date and plant height under multiple environments in rice

Both heading date and plant height are important traits related to grain yield in rice. In this study, a recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for both traits under 3 long-day (LD) environments and 1 short-day (SD) environment. A total of eight QTLs for heading date and three QTLs for plant height were detected by composite interval mapping under LD conditions. Additional one QTL for heading date and three QTLs for plant height were identified by Two-QTL model under LD conditions. Among them, major QTLs qHd7.1, qHd7.2 and qHd8 for heading date, and qPh1 and qPh7.1 for plant height were commonly detected. qHd7.1 and qHd7.2 were mapped to small regions of less than 1 cM. Genome position comparison of previously cloned genes with QTLs detected in this study revealed that qHd5 and qPh3.1 were two novel QTLs. The alleles of these QTLs increasing trait values were dispersed in both parents, which well explained the transgressive segregation observed in this population. In addition, the interaction between qHd7.1 and qHd8 was detected under all LD conditions. Multiple-QTL model analysis revealed that all QTLs and their interactions explained over 80% of heading date variation and 50% of plant height variation. Two heading date QTLs were detected under SD condition. Of them, qHd10 were commonly identified under LD condition. The difference in QTL detection between LD and SD conditions indicated most heading date QTLs are sensitive to photoperiod. These findings will benefit breeding design for heading date and plant height in rice.     

Mapping quantitative trait loci in tetraploid populations

Knowledge of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in polyploids is almost void, albeit many exquisite strategies of QTL mapping have been proposed and extensive investigations have been carried out in diploid animals and plants. In this paper we develop a simple algorithm which uses an iteratively reweighted least square method to map QTLs in tetraploid populations. The method uses information from all markers in a linkage group to infer the probability distribution of QTL genotype under the assumption of random chromosome segregation. Unlike QTL mapping in diploid species, here we estimate and test the compound 'gametic effect', which consists of the composite 'genic effect' of alleles and higher-order gene interactions. The validity and efficiency of the proposed method are investigated through simulation studies. Results show that the method can successfully locate QTLs and separates different sources (e.g. additive and dominance) of variance components contributed by the QTLs.     

Identifying genetic components controlling fertility in the outcrossing grass species perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) by quantitative trait loci analysis and comparative genetics

Mutational load and resource allocation factors and their effects on limiting seed set were investigated in ryegrass by comparative mapping genomics and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis in two perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) mapping families sharing common genetic markers. Quantitative trait loci for seed-set were identified on chromosome (LG) 7 in both families and on LG4 of the F2/WSC family. On LG7, seed-set and heading date QTLs colocalized in both families and cannot be unequivocally resolved. Comparative genomics suggests that the LG7 region is syntenous to a region of rice LG6 which contains both fertility (S5(n)) and heading date (Hd1, Hd3a) candidate genes. The LG4 region is syntenous to a region of rice LG3 which contains a fertility (S33) candidate gene. QTL maxima for seed-set and heading date on LG4 in the F2/WSC family are separated by c. 8 cm, indicating distinct genetic control. Low seed set is under the control of recessive genes at both LG4 and LG7 locations. The identification of QTLs associated with seed set, a major component of seed yield in perennial ryegrass, indicates that mutational load associated with these genomic regions can be mitigated through marker-assisted selection.     

Comparative mapping of QTLs for agronomic traits of rice across environments by using a doubled-haploid population

We report here the RFLP mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) which affect some important agronomic traits in cultivated rice. An anther culture-derived doubled-haploid (DH) population was established from a cross between indica and japonica rice varieties. A molecular linkage map comprising 137 markers was constructed based on this population which covered the rice genome at intervals of 14.8 cM on average. The linkage map was used to locate QTLs for such important agronomic traits as heading date, plant height, number of spikelets per panicle, number of grains per panicle, 1 000-grain weight and the percentage of seed set, by interval mapping. Evidence of genotype-by-environment interaction was found by comparing QTL maps of the same population grown in three diverse environments. A total of 22 QTLs for six agronomic traits was detected which were significant in at least one environment, but only seven were significant in all three environments; seven were significant in two environments and eight could only be detected in a single environment. However, QTLs-by-environment interaction was trait dependent. QTLs for spikelets and grains per panicle were common across environments while traits like heading date and plant height were more sensitive to environment. Received: 22 February 1996 / Accepted: 10 May 1996     

Quantitative trait loci controlling vernalisation requirement, heading time and number of panicles in meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.)

The “BF14/16×HF2/7” mapping population of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) was characterised for number of panicles produced by non-vernalised plants in the field, vernalisation requirement (number of weeks at 6°C and 8 h photoperiod), as well as days to heading, number of panicles and proportion of shoots heading after a 12 weeks vernalisation treatment. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified and compared to QTLs and genes related to the induction of flowering in cereals and grasses. A region on chromosome 1F affected days to heading and the proportion of shoots heading. Chromosome 4F appeared to have several genes with a strong effect on vernalisation requirement. The strongest effects were located in the proximal end of 4F and may correspond to the earliness per se (eps) QTL eps6L.2 in barley and a heading time QTL in perennial ryegrass. A part of the meadow fescue orthologue of VRN1 was sequenced and mapped to another region of 4F that also had a strong effect on vernalisation requirement. The proximal end of chromosome 5F had QTLs for days to heading and proportion of heading shoots. Syntenic regions in wheat and barley contain eps-loci. A QTL for number of panicles in the field and a QTL for proportion of heading shoots were present on chromosome 6. A region on 7F affected the variation in number of panicles among plants without a vernalisation requirement, and is syntenic to regions in perennial ryegrass, barley and rice containing orthologues of Arabidopsis thaliana CO.     

Comparative mapping of QTLs for agronomic traits of rice across environments using a doubled haploid population

We report here the RFLP mapping of quantitative triat loci (QTLs) that affect some important agronomic traits in cultivated rice. An anther culturederived doubled haploid (DH) population was established from a cross between an indica and a japonica rice variety. On the basis of this population a molecular linkage map comprising 137 markers was constructed that covered the rice genome at intervals of 14.8cM on average. Interval mapping of the linkage map was used to locate QTLs for such important agronomic traits as heading date, plant height, number of spikelets per panicle, number of grains Per panicle, 1000-grain weight and percentage of seed set. Evidence of genotype-byenvironment interaction was found by comparing QTL maps of the same population grown in three diverse environments. A total of 22 QTLs for six agronomic traits were detected that were significant in at least one environment, but only 7 were significant in all three environments, 7 were significant in two environments and 8 could only be detected in a single environment. However, QTL-by-environment interaction was traitdependent. QTLs for spikelets and grains per panicle were common across environments, while traits like heading date and plant height were more sensitive to environment.