多效性基因Ghd7调控水稻剑叶面积

光合作用是植物的唯一能量来源,剑叶是水稻开花后进行光合作用的主要部位。Ghd7是一个多效性产量基因,能显著提高水稻产量。为了研究Ghd7对水稻剑叶形态的遗传效应,文章利用一个包含190个家系的BC2F2群体对水稻剑叶长度(FLL)、剑叶宽(FLW)和剑叶面积(FLA)进行QTL定位分析。在BC2F2群体,FLL、FLW和FLA性状表型值均显示为双峰分布,符合孟德尔单基因分离比,并均与每穗实粒数呈现显著正相关。在第7染色体上RM3859和C39分子标记间定位到FLL、FLW和FLA的QTL,分别解释变异的73.3%、62.3%和71.8%,均与Ghd7共分离。以珍汕97为轮回亲本,特青和明恢63分别为供体亲本,获得两个Ghd7近等基因系NIL(MH63)和NIL(TQ),FLL、FLW和FLA表型值均比珍汕97显著提高。另外,超表达Ghd7的合江19转基因植株的FLL、FLW和FLA表型值分别比合江19增加了8.9 cm、0.5 cm和17.8 cm2。这些结果表明Ghd7对调控剑叶面积起重要作用。     

QTL mapping of flag leaf-related traits in wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> L.)

Key message

QTL controlling flag leaf length, flag leaf width, flag leaf area and flag leaf angle were mapped in wheat.

Abstract

This study aimed to advance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying morphological traits of the flag leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from ND3331 and the Tibetan semi-wild wheat Zang1817 was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW), flag leaf area (FLA), and flag leaf angle (FLANG). Using an available simple sequence repeat genetic linkage map, 23 putative QTLs for FLL, FLW, FLA, and FLANG were detected on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 3A, 3D, 4B, 5A, 6B, 7B, and 7D. Individual QTL explained 4.3–68.52% of the phenotypic variance in different environments. Four QTLs for FLL, two for FLW, four for FLA, and five for FLANG were detected in at least two environments. Positive alleles of 17 QTLs for flag leaf-related traits originated from ND3331 and 6 originated from Zang1817. QTLs with pleiotropic effects or multiple linked QTL were also identified on chromosomes 1B, 4B, and 5A; these are potential target regions for fine-mapping and marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs.

     

水稻剑叶部分形态生理特性QTL分析以及它们与产量、产量性状的关系

光合产物是水稻产量的主要来源,因此对水稻后期功能叶片尤其是剑叶形态生理性状的遗传分析对水稻高产育种很重要。利用来源于籼／粳交后代的重组自交系群体为材料对水稻剑叶形态（叶片长、宽、面积）和生理性状（叶绿度、持绿性）进行了QTL定位,并对这些性状与产量、产量性状的相关性进行了分析。两年分别定位了17、6和14个与剑叶形态性状、叶绿度和持绿性有关的QTL,其中10个QTL在两年中共同检测到。相关分析表明,较大的剑叶可以增加穗粒数并显著增加产量,然而叶绿度和持绿性与产量、产量性状无关或呈显著负相关。叶绿度与剑叶大小呈显著负相关以及籼／粳交群体后代半不育是叶绿度和持绿性与产量、产量性状无关或呈显著负相关的可能原因。染色体4上的RM255-RM349区域同时控制3个剑叶形态性状并且解释的变异也较大,该区域可用于遗传改良以提高水稻产量。染色体3上的RM422-RM565区域重叠了3个与持绿性有关的QTL,它们对产量的贡献有待于通过构建近等基因系进行深入研究。     

QTL Analysis for Flag Leaf Characteristics and Their Relationships with Yield and Yield Traits in Rice

Photosynthesis of carbohydrate is the primary source of grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). It is important to genetically analyze the morphological and the physiological characteristics of functional leaves, especially flag leaf, in rice improvement. In this study, a recombinant inbred population derived from a cross between an indica (O. sativa L. ssp. indica) cultivar and a japonica (O. sativa L. ssp. japonica) cultivar was employed to map quantitative traits loci (QTLs) for the morphological (i.e., leaf length, width, and area) and physiological (i.e., leaf color rating and stay-green) characteristics of flag leaf and their relationships with yield and yield traits in 2003 and 2004. A total of 17 QTLs for morphological traits (flag leaf length, width, and area), 6 QTLs for degree of greenness and 14 QTLs for stay-green-related traits (retention-degrees of greenness, relative retention of greenness, and retention of the green area) were resolved, and 10 QTLs were commonly detected in both the years. Correlation analysis revealed that flag leaf area increased grain yield by increasing spikelet number per panicle. However, the physiological traits including degree of greenness and stay-green traits were not or negatively correlated to grain yield and yield traits, which may arise from the negative relation between degree of greenness and flag leaf size and the partial sterility occurred in a fraction of the lines in this population. The region RM255-RM349 on chromosome 4 controlled the three leaf morphological traits simultaneously and explained a large part of variation, which was very useful for genetic improvement of grain yield. The region RM422-RM565 on chromosome 3 was associated with the three stay-green traits simultaneously, and the use of this region in genetic improvement of grain yield needs to be assessed by constructing near-isogenic lines.     

The genetics of nitrogen use in hexaploid wheat: N utilisation, development and yield

A genetic study is presented for traits relating to nitrogen use in wheat. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were established for 21 traits relating to growth, yield and leaf nitrogen (N) assimilation during grain fill in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using a mapping population from the cross Chinese Spring × SQ1. Glutamine synthetase (GS) isozymes and estimated locations of 126 genes were placed on the genetic map. QTLs for flag leaf GS activity, soluble protein, extract colour and fresh weight were found in similar regions implying shared control of leaf metabolism and leaf size. Flag leaf traits were negatively associated with days to anthesis both phenotypically and genetically, demonstrating the complex interactions of metabolism with development. One QTL cluster for GS activity co-localised with a GS2 gene mapped on chromosome 2A, and another with the mapped GSr gene on 4A. QTLs for GS activity were invariably co-localised with those for grain N, with increased activity associated with higher grain N, but with no or negative correlations with grain yield components. Peduncle N was positively correlated, and QTLs co-localised, with grain N and flag leaf N assimilatory traits, suggesting that stem N can be indicative of grain N status in wheat. A major QTL for ear number per plant was identified on chromosome 6B which was negatively co-localised with leaf fresh weight, peduncle N, grain N and grain yield. This locus is involved in processes defining the control of tiller number and consequently assimilate partitioning and deserves further examination. Electronic Supplementary Material The online version of this article () contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Dissecting a wheat QTL for yield present in a range of environments: from the QTL to candidate genes

Previous studies with 95 bread wheat doubled haploid lines (DHLs) from the cross Chinese Spring (CS)xSQ1 trialled over 24 yearxtreatmentxlocations identified major yield quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in homoeologous locations on 7AL and 7BL, expressed mainly under stressed and non-stressed conditions, respectively. SQ1 and CS contributed alleles increasing yield on 7AL and 7BL, respectively. The yield component most strongly associated with these QTLs was grains per ear. Additional results which focus on the 7AL yield QTL are presented here. Trials monitoring agronomic, morphological, physiological, and anatomical traits revealed that the 7AL yield QTL was not associated with differences in flowering time or plant height, but with significant differences in biomass at maturity and anthesis, biomass per tiller, and biomass during tillering. In some trials, flag leaf chlorophyll content and leaf width at tillering were also associated with the QTL. Thus, it is likely that the yield gene(s) on 7AL affects plant productivity. Near-isogenic lines (NILs) for the 7AL yield QTL with CS or SQ1 alleles in an SQ1 background showed the SQ1 allele to be associated with >20% higher yield per ear, significantly higher flag leaf chlorophyll content, and wider flag leaves. Epidermal cell width and distance between leaf vascular bundles did not differ significantly between NILs, so the yield-associated gene may influence the number of cell files across the leaf through effects on cell division. Interestingly, comparative mapping with rice identified AINTEGUMENTA and G-protein subunit genes affecting lateral cell division at locations homologous to the wheat 7AL yield QTL.     

Gene actions of QTLs affecting several agronomic traits resolved in a recombinant inbred rice population and two testcross populations

To understand the types of gene action controlling seven quantitative traits in rice, QTL mapping was performed to dissect the main effect (M-QTLs) and digenic epistatic (E-QTLs) QTLs responsible for the trait performance of 254 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of "Lemont/Teqing", and two testcross (TC) F(1) populations derived from these RILs. The correlation analyses reveal a general pattern, i.e. trait heritability in the RILs was negatively correlated to trait heterosis in the TC hybrids. A large number of M-QTLs and E-QTLs affecting seven traits, including heading date (HD), plant height (PH), flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW), panicle length (PL), spikelet number per panicle (SN) and spikelet fertility (SF), were identified and could be classified into two predominant groups, additive QTLs detected primarily in the RILs, and overdominant QTLs identified exclusively in the TC populations. There is little overlap between QTLs identified in the RILs and in the TC populations. This result implied that additive gene action is largely independent from non-additive gene action in the genetic control of quantitative traits of rice. The detected E-QTLs collectively explained a much greater portion of the total phenotypic variation than the M-QTLs, supporting prior findings that epistasis has played an important role in the genetic control of quantitative traits in rice. The implications of these results to the development of inbred and hybrid cultivars were discussed.     

QTLs for cell membrane stability and flag leaf area under drought stress in a wheat RIL population

A population of 206 recombinant inbred lines (RILs F₉–F₁₀) derived from wheat cross WL711/C306 was phenotyped for morpho-physiological traits such as flag leaf area (FLA), flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW), and cell membrane stability (CMS) under water deficit stress (WDS) environment. High yielding cultivar, WL711 had higher FLA than the medium yielding cultivar C306 across trials under both environments. Parent cultivar C306 maintained membrane integrity while WL711 showed higher membrane damage under WDS. The RIL population showed considerable variation, normal distribution and transgressive segregation for FLA, FLL, FLW and CMS under WDS. The genetic linkage map of WL711/C306 RIL population was constructed comprising of 346 markers. The total map distance was 4526.8 cM with an averaged interval of 12.9 cM between adjacent markers. Major consistent QTL for FLA, FLL, FLW, and CMS were identified on chromosomes 2DS and 3BS respectively in the WL711/C306 RIL population under WDS. The major QTL for FLA, qFLAWD.2D.1 which expressed in multiple environments and for CMS, qCMSWD.3B.3 and qCMSWD.3B.4, accounted for a large proportion of phenotypic variance (PV) with positive allele being contributed by C306, a drought resistant (DR) parent. QTL qFLAWD.2D.1 for FLA co-located with QTL for grain number (GN) and days to flowering (DTF) while QTL qCMSWD.3B.3 and qCMS.3B.4 co-located with QTL for grain yield and its components, days to flowering, canopy temperature and coleoptiles length as reported in our previous publications on the WL711/C306 population (Shukla et al. in Euphytica 203:449–467, 2015; Singh et al. in J Plant Biochem Biotechnol 24:324–330, 2015). Two candidate genes Ghd7 for grain yield and heading date and OsCDK4 for calcium dependent protein kinases were identified in the 2DS and 3BS QTL regions respectively on comparison with gene content of rice chromosomes 7 and 1 respectively. Hence, QTLs qFLAWD.2D.1 and qCMSWD.3B.3 are potential target regions for fine mapping and marker assisted selection for FLA and CMS respectively in wheat under water deficit environments.

     

Analysis of quantitative trait loci underlying the traits related to chlorophyll content of the flag leaf in rice

A population of 117 doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from the cross of Zhaiyeqing 8 (indica) x Jingxi 17 (japonica) was employed to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying four physiological traits related to chlorophyll contents of the flag leaf. There were significantly positive correlations among chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a+ b content. Chlorophyll a/b ratio was significantly negatively correlated with chlorophyll b content. These four traits were normally distributed with transgressive segregation, suggesting that they were controlled by multiple minor genes. A total of 11 QTLs were detected for the four traits and they lay on six chromosomes. Each of them explained 9.2%-19.6% of the phenotypic variations, respectively. Of these, two QTLs controlling chlorophyll a content were mapped on chromosomes 2 and 5; four QTLs underlying chlorophyll b content were mapped on chromosomes 2, 3, 5 and 9; three QTLs underlying chlorophyll a+b amount were mapped on chromosomes 3, 5 and 9; two QTLs under-lying chlorophyll a/b ratio were mapped on chromosomes 6 and 1 1. The intrinsic relationship among the four traits and the practical implication in rice breeding are discussed.     

Genetic analysis of morphological index and its related taxonomic traits for classification of indica/japonica rice

A doubled haploid population derived from anther culture of ZYQ8/JX17 F1, a typical indica and japonica hybrid, was used in this study. Morphological index and its related taxonomic traits were investigated in 121 DH lines. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for morphological index and its related taxonomic traits were analyzed. Two major QTLs for leaf hairiness, three QTLs for length/width of grain, one QTL for color of hull when heading, one QTL for hairiness of hull, two QTLs for length of the first and second panicle internode, and one major QTL and two QTLs for phenol reaction were detected. Four QTLs for morphological index were also identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 4 and 6, respectively, three of which on chromosomes 1, 3 and 6, respectively, were found to be located in the same chromosome regions where some QTLs for the related taxonomic traits were located.     

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Leaf Length and Leaf Width in Rice cv. IR64 Derived Lines

The present study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf size traits in IR64 introgression lines (INLs). For this purpose, selected F2 populations derived from crosses between recurrent parent IR64 and its derived INLs, unique for leaf length and leaf width, were used to confirm QTLs. A total of eight QTLs, mapped on three chromosomes, were identified for the four leaf size traits in six F2 populations. A QTL for leaf length, qLLnpt-1, in HKL69 was identified around simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker RM3709 on chromosome 1. Two QTLs for flag leaf length, qFLLnpt-2 and qFLLnpt-4, in HFG39 were indentified on chromosomes 2 and 4, respectively. For flag leaf width, a QTL, qFLWnpt-4, in HFG39 was identified around RM17483 on chromosome 4. While another QTL for flag leaf width, qFLWnpt-1, in HFG27 was identified around RM3252 on chromosome 1. A QTL for leaf width, qLWnpt-2, in HKL75 was identified around RM7451 on chromosome 2. For leaf width, two QTLs, qLWnpt-4a, qLWnpt-4b, in HKL48 and HKL99 were identified around RM7208 and RM6909, respectively on chromosome 4. Results from this study suggest the possibilities to use marker-assisted selection and pyramiding these QTLs to improve rice water productivity.     

Genetic analysis of morphological index and its related taxonomic traits for classification of indica/japonica rice

A doubled haploid population derived from anther culture of ZYQ8/JX17 F₁, a typical indica and japonica hybrid, was used in this study. Morphological index and its related taxonomic traits were investigated in 121 DH lines. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for morphological index and its related taxonomic traits were analyzed. Two major QTLs for leaf hairiness, three QTLs for length/width of grain, one QTL for color of hull when heading, one QTL for hairiness of hull, two QTLs for length of the first and second panicle internode, and one major QTL and two QTLs for phenol reaction were detected. Four QTLs for morphological index were also identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 4 and 6, respectively, three of which on chromosomes 1, 3 and 6, respectively, were found to be located in the same chromosome regions where some QTLs for the related taxonomic traits were located.     

冷型小麦旗叶衰老和活性氧代谢特性研究

以典型的冷型小麦和暖型小麦为试验材料,研究了同一环境背景下不同温度型小麦开花后的旗叶衰老和活性氧代谢特性。结果表明,与暖型小麦相比,冷型小麦籽料灌浆期旗叶叶绿素和可溶性蛋白质含量下降缓慢、含量高,整个业粒形成和灌浆期ＭＤＡ积累速度慢、含量低,籽粒灌浆期防御活性氧伤害的关键性保护酶（ＳＯＤ、ＣＡＴ和ＰＯＤ）活性下隆幅度小,灌浆中后期活性水平高。由此认为,小麦旗叶衰老和活性氧代谢特性与其温度型的归属关     

5 个籼稻背景的高代回交置换系的置换片段分析

以轮回亲本籼稻品种9311(Oryz a sativa ssp. indica ‘Yangdao 6’)为对照, 选用132个亲本间有多态性的SSR标记, 对以粳稻品种日本晴(Oryz a sativa ssp. japonica 'Nipponbare’)为供体的5个高代回交置换系的农艺性状及置换片段进行分析。5个置换系在粒长、粒宽、千粒重、剑叶长、株高及落粒性等方面与籼稻品种9311之间有极显著差异, 其余性状与籼稻品种9311间的差异不显著; 从置换系中检测出8个置换片段, 总长度为236.0 cM, 平均长度为29.5 cM; 从置换片段上检出包括2个千粒重、1个粒长、1个粒宽、1个剑叶长、1个株高和1个落粒性共7个QTLs , 分别分布在水稻第1、3、5、6和第10染色体上。其中, 第1染色体上控制剑叶长的QTL和第6染色体上控制株高的QTL可能是新发现的QTLs。实验结果进一步丰富了置换系群体的数量和质量, 也为QTLs 的精细定位及分子设计育种奠定了基础。     

QTL mapping for grain filling rate and yield-related traits in RILs of the Chinese winter wheat population Heshangmai × Yu8679

A set of 142 winter wheat recombinant inbred lines (RILs) deriving from the cross Heshangmai x Yu8679 were tried in four ecological environments during the seasons 2006 and 2007. Nine agronomic traits comprising mean grain filling rate (GFR(mean)), maximum grain filling rate (GFR(max)), grain filling duration (GFD), grain number per ear (GNE), grain weight per ear (GWE), flowering time (FT), maturation time (MT), plant height (PHT) and thousand grain weight (TGW) were evaluated in Beijing (2006 and 2007), Chengdu (2007) and Hefei (2007). A genetic map comprising 173 SSR markers and two EST markers was generated. Based on the genetic map and phenotypic data, quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped for these agronomic traits. A total of 99 putative QTLs were identified for the nine traits over four environments except GFD, PHT and MT, measured in two environments (BJ07 and CD07), respectively. Of the QTL detected, 17 for GFR(mean), 16 for GFR(max), 21 for TGW and 10 for GWE involving the chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4D, 5A, 5B, 6D and 7D were identified. Moreover, 13 genomic regions showing pleiotropic effects were detected in chromosomes 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 3B, 4B, 4D, 5B, 6D and 7D; these QTL revealing pleiotropic effects may be informative for a better understanding of the genetic basis of grain filling rate and other yield-related traits, and represent potential targets for multi-trait marker aided selection in wheat.     

Quantitative trait loci mapping of flag-leaf ligule length in rice and alignment with ZmLG1 gene

A doubled haploid (DH) population,which consists of 120 lines dedved from anther culture of a typical Indica and japonica hybrid 'CJ06'/'TN1',was used in this study.Ligule lengths of flag leaf were investigated for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping using the DH population.Five QTLs (qLL-2,qLL-4,qLL-6,qLL-10 and qLL-12) controlling the ligule length (LL) were detected on chromosomes 2,4,6,10 and 12,with the variances explained 11.4%,13.6%,27.8%,22.1% and 11.0%,respectively.Using four known genes of ZmGL1,ZmGL2,ZmGL3 and ZmGL4 in maize from the MaizeGDB,their homologs in rice were aligned and integrated into the existing simple sequence repeats linkage map by in silico mapping.A ZmLG1 homolog gene,OsLG1 encoding a squamosa promoter binding protein,was located between the markers RM255 and RM280,which is just identical to the interval of qLL-4 on the long arm of chromosome 4.The results are beneficial to dissection of the ligule molecular mechanism and the study of cereal evolution.     

5个籼稻背景的高代回交置换系的置换片段分析

以轮回亲本籼稻品种9311（Oryza sativassp.indica‘Yangdao6’）为对照,选用132个亲本间有多态性的SSR标记,对以粳稻品种日本晴（Oryzasativassp.japonica‘Nipponbare’）为供体的5个高代回交置换系的农艺性状及置换片段进行分析。5个置换系在粒长、粒宽、千粒重、剑叶长、株高及落粒性等方面与籼稻品种9311之间有极显著差异,其余性状与籼稻品种9311间的差异不显著;从置换系中检测出8个置换片段,总长度为236.0cM,平均长度为29.5cM;从置换片段上检出包括2个千粒重、1个粒长、1个粒宽、1个剑叶长、1个株高和1个落粒性共7个QTLs,分别分布在水稻第1、3、5、6和第10染色体上。其中,第1染色体上控制剑叶长的QTL和第6染色体上控制株高的QTL可能是新发现的QTLs。实验结果进一步丰富了置换系群体的数量和质量,也为QTLs的精细定位及分子设计育种奠定了基础。     

Mapping of main and epistatic effect QTLs associated to grain protein and gluten strength using a RIL population of durum wheat

Quality, specifically protein content and gluten strength are among the main objectives of a durum wheat breeding program. The aim of this work was to validate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grain protein content (GPC) and gluten strength measured by SDS sedimentation volume (SV) and to find additional QTLs expressed in Argentinean environments. Also, epistatic QTL and QTL x environmental interactions were analyzed. A mapping population of 93 RILs derived from the cross UC1113 x Kofa showing extreme values in gluten quality was used. Phenotypic data were collected along six environments (three locations, two years). Main effect QTLs associated with GPC were found in equivalent positions in two environments on chromosomes 3BS (R² = 21.0-21.6%) and 7BL (R² = 12.1-13%), and in one environment on chromosomes 1BS, 2AL, 2BS, 3BL, 4AL, 5AS, 5BL and 7AS. The most important and stable QTL affecting SV was located on chromosome 1BL (Glu-B1) consistently detected over the six environments (R² = 20.9- 54.2%). Additional QTLs were found in three environments on chromosomes 6AL (R² = 6.4-12.5%), and in two environments on chromosomes 6BL (R² = 11.5-12.1%), 7AS (R² = 8.2-10.2%) and 4BS (R² = 11–16.4%). In addition, pleiotropic effects were found affecting grain yield, test weight, thousand-kernel- weight and days to heading in some of these QTLs. Epistatic QTLs and QTL x environment interactions were found for both quality traits, mostly for GPC. The flanking markers of the QTLs detected in this work could be efficient tools to select superior genotypes for the mentioned traits.     

Genetic Analysis of Carbon Isotope Discrimination and its Relation to Yield in a Wheat Doubled Haploid Population

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C) is considered a useful indicator for indirect selection of grain yield (GY) in cereals. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the genetic variation in Δ¹³C and its relationship with GY. A doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross of two common wheat varieties, Hanxuan 10 (H10) and Lumai 14 (L14), was phenotyped for Δ¹³C in the flag leaf, GY and yield associated traits in two trials contrasted by water availability, specifically, rain‐fed and irrigated. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified by single locus and two locus QTL analyses. QTLs for Δ¹³C were located on chromosomes 1A, 2B, 3B, 5A, 7A and 7B, and QTLs for other traits on all chromosomes except 1A, 4D, 5A, 5B and 6D. The population selected for high Δ¹³C had an increased frequency of QTL for high Δ¹³C, GY and number of spikes per plant (NSP) when grown under rain‐fed conditions and only for high Δ¹³C and NSP when grown under irrigated conditions, which was consistent with agronomic performance of the corresponding trait values in the high Δ¹³C progeny; that is, significantly greater than that in the low Δ¹³C. Therefore, selection for Δ¹³C was beneficial in increasing grain yield in rain‐fed environments.     

Identification of QTL for flag leaf length in common wheat and their pleiotropic effects

Leaf size is an important factor contributing to the photosynthetic capability of wheat plants. It also significantly affects various agronomic traits. In particular, the flag leaves contribute significantly to grain yield in wheat. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population developed between varieties with significant differences in flag leaf traits was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) of flag leaf length (FLL) and to evaluate its pleiotropic effects on five yield-related traits, including spike length (SL), spikelet number per spike (SPN), kernel number per spike (KN), kernel length (KL), and thousand-kernel weight (TKW). Two additional RIL populations were used to validate the detected QTL and reveal the relationships in different genetic backgrounds. Using the diversity arrays technology (DArT) genetic linkage map, three major QTL for FLL were detected, with single QTL in different environments explaining 8.6–23.3% of the phenotypic variation. All the QTL were detected in at least four environments, and validated in two related populations based on the designed primers. These QTL and the newly developed primers are expected to be valuable for fine mapping and marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs.