Quantitative trait loci for lodging resistance in a segregating wheat×spelt population

 Lodging can strongly affect both the grain yield and the quality of wheat. Lodging represents a quantitative trait and is difficult to assess on a phenotypic basis. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) could therefore become an important tool in breeding for lodging resistance. In this study, we mapped and characterised quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for lodging resistance, as well as morphological traits correlated with lodging, in a segregating population of 226 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross of the lodging-resistant wheat variety Forno with the susceptible spelt variety Oberkulmer. Lodging, plant height, leaf width, leaf-growth habit, culm stiffness, culm swinging, culm thickness, days to ear emergence and days to flowering were assessed in field trials at two locations in 1996 and at one location in 1997. Additionally, at one location weight and length parameters were also assessed. Plant height and culm stiffness explained 77% of the phenotypic variance of lodging in a multiple regression model over all three environments. QTL analysis of lodging and morphological parameters was based on a genetic map containing 230 loci with 23 linkage groups (2469 cM). With the method of composite interval mapping nine QTLs for lodging resistance were detected, explaining 63% of the phenotypic variance in a simultaneous fit. Seven of these QTLs coincided with QTLs for morphological traits, reflecting the correlations between these traits and lodging. In our population the most efficient way to improve lodging resistance would be by a combination of indirect selection on plant height and culm stiffness together with MAS on the two QTLs for lodging resistance which did not coincide with QTLs for morphological traits. Received: 3 August 1998 / Accepted: 28 November 1998     

Consistent detection of QTLs for crown rust resistance in Italian ryegrass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lolium multiflorum</Emphasis> Lam.) across environments and phenotyping methods

Crown rust, caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. lolii, is one of the most important diseases of temperate forage grasses, such as ryegrasses (Lolium spp.), affecting yield and nutritional quality. Therefore, resistance to crown rust is a major goal in ryegrass breeding programmes. In a two-way pseudo-testcross population consisting of 306 Lolium multiflorum individuals, multisite field evaluations as well as alternative methods based on artificial inoculation with natural inoculate in controlled environments were used to identify QTLs controlling resistance to crown rust. Disease scores obtained from glasshouse and leaf segment test (LST) evaluations were highly correlated with scores from a multisite field assessment (r = 0.66 and 0.79, P < 0.01, respectively) and thus confirmed suitability of these methods for crown rust investigations. Moreover, QTL mapping based on a linkage map consisting of 368 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers revealed similar results across different phenotyping methods. Two major QTLs were consistently detected on linkage group (LG) 1 and LG 2, explaining up to 56% of total phenotypic variance (V _p). Nevertheless, differences between position and magnitude of QTLs were observed among individual field locations and suggested the existence of specific local pathogen populations. The present study not only compared QTL results among crown rust evaluation methods and environments, but also identified molecular markers closely linked to previously undescribed QTLs for crown rust resistance in Italian ryegrass with the potential to be applied in marker-assisted forage crop breeding. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Quantitative trait loci influencing drought tolerance in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Drought is a major constraint in sorghum production worldwide. Drought-stress in sorghum has been characterized at both pre-flowering and post-flowering stages resulting in a drastic reduction in grain yield. In the case of post-flowering drought stress, lodging further aggravates the problem resulting in total loss of crop yield in mechanized agriculture. The present study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling post-flowering drought tolerance (stay green), pre-flowering drought tolerance and lodging tolerance in sorghum using an F₇ recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross SC56×Tx7000. The RIL lines, along with parents, were evaluated for the above traits in multiple environments. With the help of a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) map, which spans 1,355 cM and consists of 144 loci, nine QTLs, located over seven linkage groups were detected for stay green in several environments using the method of composite interval mapping. Comparison of the QTL locations with the published results indicated that three QTLs located on linkage groups A, G and J were consistent. This is considered significant since the stay green line SC56 used in our investigation is from a different source compared to B35 that was used in all the earlier investigations. Comparative mapping has shown that two stay green QTLs identified in this study corresponded to stay green QTL regions in maize. These genomic regions were also reported to be congruent with other drought-related agronomic and physiological traits in maize and rice, suggesting that these syntenic regions might be hosting a cluster of genes with pleiotropic effects implicated in several drought tolerance mechanisms in these grass species. In addition, three and four major QTLs responsible for lodging tolerance and pre-flowering drought tolerance, respectively, were detected. This investigation clearly revealed the important and consistent stay green QTLs in a different stay green source that can logically be targeted for positional cloning. The identification of QTLs and markers for pre-flowering drought tolerance and lodging tolerance will help plant breeders in manipulating and pyramiding those traits along with stay green to improve drought tolerance in sorghum. Received: 2 June 2000 / Accepted: 15 November 2000     

Comparative analysis of multiple disease resistance in ryegrass and cereal crops

Ryegrass (Lolium spp.) is among the most important forage crops in Europe and Australia and is also a popular turfgrass in North America. Previous genetic analysis based on a three-generation interspecific (L. perenne x L. multiflorum) ryegrass population identified four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to gray leaf spot (Magneporthe grisea) and four QTLs for resistance to crown rust (Puccinia coronata). The current analysis based on the same mapping population detected seven QTLs for resistance to leaf spot (Bipolaris sorokiniana) and one QTL for resistance to stem rust (Puccinia graminis) in ryegrass for the first time. Three QTLs for leaf spot resistance on linkage groups (LGs) 2 and 4 were in regions of conserved synteny to the positions of resistance to net blotch (Drechslera teres) in barley (Hordeum vulgare). One ryegrass genomic region spanning 19 cM on LG 4, which contained three QTLs for resistance to leaf spot, gray leaf spot, and stem rust, had a syntenic relationship with a segment of rice chromosome 3, which contained QTLs for resistance to multiple diseases. However, at the genome-wide comparison based on 72 common RFLP markers between ryegrass and cereals, coincidence of QTLs for disease resistance to similar fungal pathogens was not statistically significant.     

QTL analyses of fiber components and crude protein in an annual × perennial ryegrass interspecific hybrid population

Annual (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and perennial (Lolium perenne L.) ryegrasses are two important forage and turfgrass species. Improving the digestibility of forage by decreasing fiber content is a major goal in forage crop breeding programs. An annual × perennial ryegrass interspecific hybrid population was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fiber components, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and crude protein (CP). Samples were harvested three times in August and September 2003 and August 2004, respectively. Simple interval mapping was used to detect QTLs from both the male and female parental maps previously developed for the population. Fiber components were all correlated positively with each other and were negatively correlated with CP. The largest correlations were between NDF and ADF with r = 0.86, 0.72, and 0.82 for each of the three harvests. All four traits showed intermediate broad-sense heritability values ranging from 0.35 to 0.72. A total of 63 QTLs were detected for the four traits measured over the three harvests from both the female and male maps. Coincident QTLs were detected on linkage groups (LGs) 2, 6, and 7 for NDF, LGs 1, 2, and 7 for ADF, LGs 6 and 7 for ADL, and LG 2 for CP, respectively. Coincident QTLs were also detected on LGs 2, 6, and 7 for NDF and ADF, providing evidence of the genetic basis of the observed high level of phenotypic correlation. The QTLs on LGs 2, 6, and possibly 7 for fiber components were co-located on the same LG as several lignin biosynthetic genes from perennial ryegrass.     

水、旱条件下水稻茎秆主要抗倒伏性状的QTL分析

以粳型旱稻IRAT109和粳型水稻越富杂交的116个DH株系的群体为材料,利用已构建的分子标记连锁图(包括94个RFLP标记和71个SSR标记),定位了水稻茎秆主要抗倒伏性状的QTL。在水田、旱田栽培条件下,考查了乳熟期DH系及其亲本的茎基粗、茎秆长及茎秆强度等性状。相关分析表明,茎基粗与茎秆长、茎基粗与茎秆强度及茎秆长与茎秆强度间均呈极显著正相关。利用QTLMAPPER进行水、旱田单环境定位分析及水、旱田联合定位分析定位了控制这些性状的QTL。水、旱田单环境定位分析结果表明：3个性状共检测到9个加性QTL和5对上位性QTL;联合定位分析表明：茎基粗、茎秆长共检测到6个加性QTL和6对上位性QTL,其中6个加性QTL和1对上位性QTL在两种方法下都检测到。旱田条件下检测到2个加性及2对上位性QTL(bctla、ct9、c16a-c16c和cs5-cs12)对表型变异的贡献率(简称贡献率)大于30％。这些高贡献率QTL可能对旱田条件下旱稻抗倒伏分子育种有重要意义。     

Identification of quantitative trait loci for yield and yield components in an advanced backcross population derived from the<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Oryza sativa</Emphasis> variety IR64 and the wild relative<Emphasis Type="Italic"> O. rufipogon</Emphasis>

A BC₂F₂ population developed from an interspecific cross between Oryza sativa (cv IR64) and O. rufipogon (IRGC 105491) was used in an advanced backcross QTL analysis to identify and introduce agronomically useful genes from this wild relative into the cultivated gene pool. The objectives of this study were: (1) to identify putative yield and yield component QTLs that can be useful to improve the elite cultivar IR64; (2) to compare the QTLs within this study with previously reported QTLs in rice as the basis for identifying QTLs that are stable across different environments and genetic backgrounds; and (3) to compare the identified QTLs with previously reported QTLs from maize to examine the degree of QTL conservation across the grass family. Two hundred eighty-five families were evaluated in two field environments in Indonesia, with two replications each, for 12 agronomic traits. A total of 165 markers consisting of 131 SSRs and 34 RFLPs were used to construct the genetic linkage map. By employing interval mapping and composite interval mapping, 42 QTLs were identified. Despite its inferior performance, 33% of the QTL alleles originating from O. rufipogon had a beneficial effect for yield and yield components in the IR64 background. Twenty-two QTLs (53.4%) were located in similar regions as previously reported rice QTLs, suggesting the existence of stable QTLs across genetic backgrounds and environments. Twenty QTLs (47.6%) were exclusively detected in this study, uncovering potentially novel alleles from the wild, some of which might improve the performance of the tropical indica variety IR64. Additionally, several QTLs for plant height, grain weight, and flowering time detected in this study corresponded to homeologous regions in maize containing previously detected maize QTLs for these traits.     

小麦抗倒性研究进展

倒伏是严重影响小麦子粒产量和品质的一个重要因素。本文系统阐述了小麦茎秆形态和结构特性、茎秆化学成分与抗倒伏关系以及抗倒性的遗传和分子标记等方面的最新研究进展。株高、基部节间长度与抗倒性呈负相关;而基部节间粗度、秆壁厚、单位长度干重与抗倒性呈正相关。茎秆机械组织细胞层数、厚度,维管束数目、面积以及髓腔大小与抗倒性密切相关。茎秆化学成分中纤维素、木质素以及碳水化合物含量和硅、钾元素含量与抗倒性呈正相关。小麦抗倒性呈数量性状遗传特征,除受多对主基因控制外,可能还受微效修饰基因作用。采用分子标记技术已将抗倒性以及与抗倒性相关的茎秆形态性状进行了QTL定位。     

QTL mapping of ten agronomic traits on the soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> L. Merr.) genetic map and their association with EST markers

A set of 184 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from soybean vars. Kefeng No.1 × Nannong 1138-2 was used to construct a genetic linkage map. The two parents exhibit contrasting characteristics for most of the traits that were mapped. Using restricted fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and expressed sequence tags (ESTs), we mapped 452 markers onto 21 linkage groups and covered 3,595.9 cM of the soybean genome. All of the linkage groups except linkage group F were consistent with those of the consensus map of Cregan et al. (1999). Linkage group F was divided into two linkage groups, F1 and F2. The map consisted of 189 RFLPs, 219 SSRs, 40 ESTs, three R gene loci and one phenotype marker. Ten agronomic traits—days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of nodes on main stem, lodging, number of pods per node, protein content, oil content, 100-seed weight, and plot yield—were studied. Using winqtlcart, we detected 63 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that had LOD>3 for nine of the agronomic traits (only exception being seed oil content) and mapped these on 12 linkage groups. Most of the QTLs were clustered, especially on groups B1 and C2. Some QTLs were mapped to the same loci. This pleiotropism was common for most of the QTLs, and one QTL could influence at most five traits. Seven EST markers were found to be linked closely with or located at the same loci as the QTLs. EST marker GmKF059a, encoding a repressor protein and mapped on group C2, accounted for about 20% of the total variation of days to flowering, plant height, lodging and nodes on the main stem, respectively.Communicated by H.F. LinskensW.-K. Zhang, Y.-J. Wang and G.-Z. Luo contributed equally to this investigation.     

Quantitative trait loci for yield and related traits in the wheat population Ning7840 × Clark

Grain yield and associated agronomic traits are important factors in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improvement. Knowledge regarding the number, genomic location, and effect of quantitative trait loci (QTL) would facilitate marker-assisted selection and the development of cultivars with desirable characteristics. Our objectives were to identify QTLs directly and indirectly affecting grain yield expression. A population of 132 F₁₂ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was derived by single-seed descent from a cross between the Chinese facultative wheat Ning7840 and the US soft red winter wheat Clark. Phenotypic data were collected for 15 yield and other agronomic traits in the RILs and parental lines from three locations in Oklahoma from 2001 to 2003. Twenty-nine linkage groups, consisting of 363 AFLP and 47 SSR markers, were identified. Using composite interval mapping (CIM) analysis, 10, 16, 30, and 14 QTLs were detected for yield, yield components, plant adaptation (shattering and lodging resistance, heading date, and plant height), and spike morphology traits, respectively. The QTL effects ranged from 7 to 23%. Marker alleles from Clark were associated with a positive effect for the majority of QTLs for yield and yield components, but gene dispersion was the rule rather than the exception for this RIL population. Often, QTLs were detected in proximal positions for different traits. Consistent, co-localized QTLs were identified in linkage groups 1AL, 1B, 4B, 5A, 6A, and 7A, and less consistent but unique QTLs were identified on 2BL, 2BS, 2DL, and 6B. Results of this study provide a benchmark for future efforts on QTL identification for yield traits.     

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     

Testing water-soluble carbohydrate QTL effects in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) by marker selection

Water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) are an important factor determining the nutritional value of grass forage and development of genetic markers for selection of WSC traits in perennial ryegrass would benefit future breeding programmes. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for WSC have been published for an F₂ ryegrass mapping family. Markers showing significant associations with these QTLs were used to design narrow-based populations with homozygosity for target QTLs. Founders were selected from within the mapping family. The divergent populations produced were analysed for WSC content in the glasshouse and the field. There was evidence of complex interactions between WSC content and other factors and traits, including the scale of assessment, time/degree of sward establishment and other forage quality parameters. Differences between the divergent pairs of the various populations were small. However, differences observed between the founder selection groups were maintained and the roles of the QTL regions in regulating forage WSC content were confirmed. In general, the individual divergent populations exploited only a limited extent of the large phenotypic variation available within the mapping family. However, this study sets the scene for exploring the opportunities for marker-assisted breeding strategies for complex traits in obligate out-breeding species, and the challenges of doing this are discussed.     

Molecular mapping and location of QTLs for drought-resistance traits in <Emphasis Type="Italic">indica</Emphasis> rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.) lines adapted to target environments

Drought is a major limitation for rice production in rainfed ecosystems. Identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to drought resistance provides opportunity to breed high yielding rice varieties suitable for drought-prone areas. Although considerable efforts were made in mapping QTLs associated with drought-resistance traits in rice, most of the studies involved indica × japonica crosses and hence, the drought-resistance alleles were contributed mostly by japonica ecotypes. It is desirable to look for genetic variation within indica ecotypes adapted to target environment (TE) as the alleles from japonica ecotype may not be expressed under lowland conditions. A subset of 250 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of F₈ generation derived from two indica rice lines (IR20 and Nootripathu) with contrasting drought-resistance traits were used to map the QTLs for morpho-physiological and plant production traits under drought stress in the field in TE. A genetic linkage map was constructed using 101 polymorphic PCR-based markers distributed over the 12 chromosomes covering a total length of 1,529 cM in 17 linkage groups with an average distance of 15.1 cM. Composite interval mapping analysis identified 22 QTLs, which individually explained 4.8–32.2% of the phenotypic variation. Consistent QTLs for drought-resistance traits were detected using locally adapted indica ecotypes, which may be useful for rainfed rice improvement.     

Mapping QTLs for 15 morpho-metric traits in Arabidopsis thaliana using Col-0 × Don-0 population

Genome wide quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping was conducted in Arabidopsis thaliana using F2 mapping population (Col-0 × Don-0) and SNPs markers. A total of five linkage groups were obtained with number of SNPs varying from 45 to 59 per linkage group. The composite interval mapping detected a total of 36 QTLs for 15 traits and the number of QTLs ranged from one (root length, root dry biomass, cauline leaf width, number of internodes and internode distance) to seven (for bolting days). The range of phenotypic variance explained (PVE) and logarithm of the odds ratio of these 36 QTLs was found be 0.19–38.17% and 3.0–6.26 respectively. Further, the epistatic interaction detected one main effect QTL and four epistatic QTLs. Five major QTLs viz. Qbd.nbri.4.3, Qfd.nbri.4.2, Qrdm.nbri.5.1, Qncl.nbri.2.2, Qtd.nbri.4.1 with PVE > 15.0% might be useful for fine mapping to identify genes associated with respective traits, and also for development of specialized population through marker assisted selection. The identification of additive and dominant effect QTLs and desirable alleles of each of above mentioned traits would also be important for future research.     

Mapping quantitative trait loci for yield,yield components and morphological traits in an advanced backcross population between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza rufipogon</Emphasis> and the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> cultivar Jefferson

An advanced backcross population between an accession of Oryza rufipogon (IRGC 105491) and the U.S. cultivar Jefferson (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica) was developed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for yield, yield components and morphological traits. The genetic linkage map generated for this population consisted of 153 SSR and RFLP markers with an average interval size of 10.3 cM. Thirteen traits were examined, nine of which were measured in multiple environments. Seventy-six QTLs above an experiment-wise significance threshold of P<0.01 (corresponding to an interval mapping LOD>3.6 or a composite interval mapping LOD>3.9) were identified. For the traits measured in multiple environments, 47% of the QTLs were detected in at least two environments. The O. rufipogon allele was favorable for 53% of the yield and yield component QTLs, including loci for yield, grains per panicle, panicle length, and grain weight. Morphological traits related to the domestication process and/or weedy characteristics, including plant height, shattering, tiller type and awns, were found clustered on chromosomes 1 and 4. Comparisons to previous studies involving wild x cultivated crosses revealed O. rufipogon alleles with stable effects in multiple genetic backgrounds and environments, several of which have not been detected in studies between Oryza sativa cultivars, indicating potentially novel alleles from O. rufipogon. Some O. rufipogon-derived QTLs, however, were in similar regions as previously reported QTLs from Oryza sativa cultivars, providing evidence for conservation of these QTLs across the Oryza genus. In addition, several QTLs for grain weight, plant height, and flowering time were localized to putative homeologous regions in maize where QTLs for these traits have been previously reported, supporting the hypothesis of functional conservation of QTLs across the grasses.     

Mapping of shoot fly tolerance loci in sorghum using SSR markers

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is one of the most important crops in the semiarid regions of the world. One of the important biotic constraints to sorghum production in India is the shoot fly which attacks sorghum at the seedling stage. Identification of the genomic regions containing quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to shoot fly and the linked markers can facilitate sorghum improvement programmes through marker-assisted selection. A simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker- based skeleton linkage map of two linkage groups of sorghum was constructed in a population of 135 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross between IS18551 (resistant to shoot fly) and 296B (susceptible to shoot fly). A total of 14 SSR markers, seven each on linkage groups A and C were mapped. Using data of different shoot fly resistance component traits, one QTL which is common for glossiness, oviposition and dead hearts was detected following composite interval mapping (CIM) on linkage group A. The phenotypic variation explained by this QTL ranged from 3.8%–6.3%. Besides the QTL detected by CIM, two more QTLs were detected following multi-trait composite interval mapping (MCIM), one each on linkage groups A and C for the combinations of traits which were correlated with each other. Results of the present study are novel as we could find out the QTLs governing more than one trait (pleiotropic QTLs). The identification of pleiotropic QTLs will help in improvement of more than one trait at a time with the help of the same linked markers. For all the QTLs, the resistant parent IS18551 contributed resistant alleles.     

Fine mapping of three quantitative trait loci for late blight resistance in tomato using near isogenic lines (NILs) and sub-NILs

An earlier study identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) lb4, lb5b, and lb11b for quantitative resistance to Phytophthora infestans (late blight) in a backcross population derived from crossing susceptible cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) with resistant L. hirsutum. The QTLs were located in intervals spanning 28–47 cM. Subsequently, near-isogenic lines (NILs) were developed for lb4, lb5b, and lb11b by marker-assisted backcrossing to L. esculentum. Sub-NILs containing overlapping L. hirsutum segments across each QTL region were selected and used to validate the QTL effects, fine-map QTLs, and evaluate potential linkage drag between resistance QTLs and QTLs for horticultural traits. The NILs and sub-NILs were evaluated for disease resistance and eight horticultural traits at three field locations. Resistance QTLs were detected in all three sets of NIL lines, confirming the BC₁ mapping results. Lb4 mapped near TG609, and between TG182 and CT194, on chromosome 4, a 6.9-cM interval; lb5b mapped to an 8.8-cM interval between TG69a and TG413 on chromosome 5, with the most likely position near TG23; and lb11b mapped to a 15.1-cM interval on chromosome 11 between TG194 and TG400, with the peak centered between CT182 and TG147. Most QTLs for horticultural traits were identified in intervals adjacent to those containing the late blight resistance QTLs. Fine mapping of these QTLs permits the use of marker-assisted selection for the precise introgression of L. hirsutum segments containing late blight resistance alleles separately from those containing deleterious alleles at horticulturally important QTLs.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at Communicated by D.B. Neale     

Association of lignin and <Emphasis Type="Italic">FLEXIBLE CULM 1 (FC1)</Emphasis> ortholog in imparting culm strength and lodging resistance in kodo millet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Paspalum scrobiculatum</Emphasis> L.)

To understand the lodging behavior in kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) at morphological, biochemical, and molecular levels, 22 germplasm accessions selected based on previous trials were characterized for culm strength-related morphological traits such as pulling force, culm weight per unit length, culm diameter, recovery angle after bending and degree of lodging, and biochemical traits such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content of the culm. Correlation among traits and path analysis with degree of lodging showed that only lignin content per unit length of the culm had a very high negative effect on degree of lodging, followed by culm diameter, which means that higher the lignin content and culm diameter, the lesser will be the degree of lodging. Hence, it was concluded that any improvement for lodging resistance in kodo millet can be achieved through improving the lignin content (mg/cm of the dry culm) and culm diameter. Gene expression studies in kodo millet for FLEXIBLE CULM 1 (FC1), a gene implicated in lignin biosynthetic pathway and lodging resistance in rice, suggests the role of FC1 gene ortholog in lignin accumulation in kodo millet as well. Accordingly, the highest gene expression was recorded in strong culm line “Adari” a land race and the lowest expression in “Aamo 10,” a weak culm line.     

Genetic mapping reveals a single major QTL for bacterial wilt resistance in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)

Bacterial wilt caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. graminis (Xtg) is a major disease of economically important forage crops such as ryegrasses and fescues. Targeted breeding based on seedling inoculation has resulted in cultivars with considerable levels of resistance. However, the mechanisms of inheritance of resistance are poorly understood and further breeding progress is difficult to obtain. This study aimed to assess the relevance of the seedling screening in the glasshouse for adult plant resistance in the field and to investigate genetic control of resistance to bacterial wilt in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). A mapping population consisting of 306 F₁ individuals was established and resistance to bacterial wilt was assessed in glasshouse and field experiments. Highly correlated data (r = 0.67–0.77, P < 0.01) between trial locations demonstrated the suitability of glasshouse screens for phenotypic selection. Analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) based on a high density genetic linkage map consisting of 368 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers revealed a single major QTL on linkage group (LG) 4 explaining 67% of the total phenotypic variance (Vp). In addition, a minor QTL was observed on LG 5. Field experiments confirmed the major QTL on LG 4 to explain 43% (in 2004) to 84% (in 2005) of Vp and also revealed additional minor QTLs on LG 1, LG 4 and LG 6. The identified QTLs and the closely linked markers represent important targets for marker-assisted selection of Italian ryegrass.     

High-Density Genetic Linkage Map Construction and QTL Mapping of Grain Shape and Size in the Wheat Population Yanda1817 × Beinong6

High-density genetic linkage maps are necessary for precisely mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling grain shape and size in wheat. By applying the Infinium iSelect 9K SNP assay, we have constructed a high-density genetic linkage map with 269 F ₈ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed between a Chinese cornerstone wheat breeding parental line Yanda1817 and a high-yielding line Beinong6. The map contains 2431 SNPs and 128 SSR & EST-SSR markers in a total coverage of 3213.2 cM with an average interval of 1.26 cM per marker. Eighty-eight QTLs for thousand-grain weight (TGW), grain length (GL), grain width (GW) and grain thickness (GT) were detected in nine ecological environments (Beijing, Shijiazhuang and Kaifeng) during five years between 2010–2014 by inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) (LOD≥2.5). Among which, 17 QTLs for TGW were mapped on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4D, 5A, 5B and 6B with phenotypic variations ranging from 2.62% to 12.08%. Four stable QTLs for TGW could be detected in five and seven environments, respectively. Thirty-two QTLs for GL were mapped on chromosomes 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4D, 5A, 5B, 6B, 7A and 7B, with phenotypic variations ranging from 2.62% to 44.39%. QGl.cau-2A.2 can be detected in all the environments with the largest phenotypic variations, indicating that it is a major and stable QTL. For GW, 12 QTLs were identified with phenotypic variations range from 3.69% to 12.30%. We found 27 QTLs for GT with phenotypic variations ranged from 2.55% to 36.42%. In particular, QTL QGt.cau-5A.1 with phenotypic variations of 6.82–23.59% was detected in all the nine environments. Moreover, pleiotropic effects were detected for several QTL loci responsible for grain shape and size that could serve as target regions for fine mapping and marker assisted selection in wheat breeding programs.