The genetic control of milling yield, dough rheology and baking quality of wheat

Improving the end-use quality of wheat is a key target for many breeding programmes. With the exception of the relationship between glutenin alleles and some dough rheological characters, knowledge concerning the genetic control of wheat quality traits is somewhat limited. A doubled haploid population produced from a cross between two Australian cultivars ‘Trident’ and ‘Molineux’ has been used to construct a linkage map based largely on microsatellite molecular makers. ‘Molineux’ is superior to ‘Trident’ for a number of milling, dough rheology and baking quality characteristics, although by international standards ‘Trident’ would still be regarded as possessing moderately good end-use quality. This population was therefore deemed useful for investigation of wheat end-use quality. A number of significant QTL identified for dough rheological traits mapped to HMW and LMW glutenin loci on chromosomes 1A and 1B. However, QTL associated with dough strength and loaf volume were also identified on chromosome 2A and a significant QTL associated with loaf volume and crumb quality was identified on chromosome 3A. A QTL for flour protein content and milling yield was identified on chromosome 6A and a QTL associated with flour colour reported previously on chromosome 7B was confirmed in this population. The detection of loci affecting dough strength, loaf volume and flour protein content may provide fresh opportunities for the application of marker-assisted selection to improve bread-making quality.     

Identification and verification of QTLs for agronomic traits using wild barley introgression lines

A set of 39 wild barley introgression lines (hereafter abbreviated with S42ILs) was subjected to a QTL study to verify genetic effects for agronomic traits, previously detected in the BC₂DH population S42 (von Korff et al. 2006 in Theor Appl Genet 112:1221–1231) and, in addition, to identify new QTLs and favorable wild barley alleles. Each line within the S42IL set contains a single marker-defined chromosomal introgression from wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum), whereas the remaining part of the genome is exclusively derived from elite spring barley (H. vulgare ssp. vulgare). Agronomic field data of the S42ILs were collected for seven traits from three different environments during the 2007 growing season. For detection of putative QTLs, a two-factorial mixed model ANOVA and, subsequently, a Dunnett test with the recurrent parent as a control were conducted. The presence of a QTL effect on a wild barley introgression was accepted, if the trait value of a particular S42IL was significantly (P < 0.05) different from the control, either across all environments and/or in a particular environment. A total of 47 QTLs were localized in the S42IL set, among which 39 QTLs were significant across all tested environments. For 19 QTLs (40.4%), the wild barley introgression was associated with a favorable effect on trait performance. Von Korff et al. (2006 in Theor Appl Genet 112:1221–1231) mapped altogether 44 QTLs for six agronomic traits to genomic regions, which are represented by wild barley introgressions of the S42IL set. Here, 18 QTLs (40.9%) revealed a favorable wild barley effect on the trait performance. By means of the S42ILs, 20 out of the 44 QTLs (45.5%) and ten out of the 18 favorable effects (55.6%) were verified. Most QTL effects were confirmed for the traits days until heading and plant height. For the six corresponding traits, a total of 17 new QTLs were identified, where at six QTLs (35.3%) the exotic introgression caused an improved trait performance. In addition, eight QTLs for the newly studied trait grains per ear were detected. Here, no QTL from wild barley exhibited a favorable effect. The introgression line S42IL-107, which carries an introgression on chromosome 2H, 17–42 cM is an example for S42ILs carrying several QTL effects simultaneously. This line exhibited improved performance across all tested environments for the traits days until heading, plant height and thousand grain weight. The line can be directly used to transfer valuable Hsp alleles into modern elite cultivars, and, thus, for breeding of improved varieties.     

Genetic dissection of chlorophyll content at different growth stages in common wheat

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for chlorophyll content were studied using a doubled haploid (DH) population with 168 progeny lines, derived from a cross between two elite Chinese wheat cultivars Huapei 3 × Yumai 57. Chlorophyll content was evaluated at the maximum tillering stage (MS), the heading stage (HS), and the grain filling stage (GS), at three different environments in 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons. QTL analyses were performed using a mixed linear model approach. A total of 17 additive QTLs and nine pairs of epistatic QTLs were detected. Ten of 17 additive QTLs for chlorophyll content were persistently expressed at more than two growth stages, which suggest developmentally regulated loci controlling genetics for chlorophyll content in different growth stages in wheat. One novel major QTL for chlorophyll content was closely linked with the PCR marker Xwmc215 and was persistently expressed at three growth stages.     

花后灌水次数对强筋小麦籽粒产量和品质的影响

在防雨池栽培条件下,以2个优质强筋小麦品种（济麦20和藁城8901）为试验材料,研究了花后不同水分供应状况对籽粒产量、籽粒品质（粉质仪参数和面包体积）及其蛋白质组分的影响.结果表明：2个品种的籽粒产量、面粉的面团形成时间、面团稳定时间和制成面包体积均随花后灌水次数的增加呈先升高后降低的趋势;其中,花后灌1水（花后7 d）时藁城8901的籽粒产量最高,花后灌2水（花后7 d+花后14 d）时济麦20的籽粒产量最高;2个品种面粉的面团形成时间、面团稳定时间和制成面包体积均以花后灌1水时最优.单体蛋白含量、不溶性谷蛋白含量、谷蛋白总含量、蛋白质含量以及湿面筋含量也呈现类似的变化趋势.逐步回归分析表明,花后不同水分供应状况下,不溶性谷蛋白含量是影响面团稳定时间的关键因素,谷蛋白总含量与面包体积的变化密切相关.因此,为了保持优质强筋小麦品质的稳定性,水分管理应以改善籽粒蛋白质特别是谷蛋白组分的构成为目标.     

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.     

不同灌水处理对强筋小麦谷蛋白大聚合体粒度分布和品质的影响

在田间条件下,以两个优质强筋小麦品种(藁城8901和济麦20)为供试材料,研究了不同灌水处理(全生育期不灌水、拔节期灌1次水、越冬期和拔节期灌2次水、越冬期、拔节期和灌浆期灌3次水,每次灌水量675 m³·hm^-2)对强筋小麦谷蛋白大聚合体含量与粒度分布、品质和产量的影响.结果表明: 两个小麦品种的面团形成时间、面团稳定时间、面包体积、籽粒产量、谷蛋白大聚合体含量以及体积加权平均粒径、表面积加权平均粒径、粒径>100 μm的体积百分比和表面积百分比均以灌2水处理最高.相关分析显示,两个小麦品种的面团形成时间、面团稳定时间和面包体积与粒径<10 μm和10～100 μm的谷蛋白大聚合体颗粒体积百分比呈显著负相关,而与粒径>100 μm的谷蛋白大聚合体颗粒体积百分比、体积加权平均粒径和表面积加权平均粒径呈显著正相关.水分供应过多或过少均不利于籽粒产量和品质的同步改善,灌溉水平可通过改变谷蛋白大聚合体粒度分布影响小麦籽粒品质.     

QTL analysis of bread-making quality in wheat using a doubled haploid population

A set of 187 doubled haploid lines derived from the cross between cvs. Courtot and Chinese Spring was explored for QTLs for three bread-making quality tests: hardness, protein content and strength of the dough (W of alveograph). The scores of the parental lines were quite different except for protein content, and the population showed a wide range of variation. About 350 molecular and biochemical markers were used to establish the genetic map, and technological criteria were evaluated in 1 to 3 years. QTL detection was performed by the ”marker regression” method. The most significant unlinked markers were used in the model as covariates, and the results were tested by bootstrap resampling. For hardness, we confirmed a previously tagged major QTL on chromosome 5DS, and two additional minor QTLs were found on chromosome 1A and 6D, respectively. For protein content two main QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1B and 6A, respectively. For W, three consistent QTLs were detected: two at the same location as those for hardness, on chromosomes 1A and 5D; the third one on chromosome 3B. Therefore, it appeared that except for the Glu-1A locus, storage protein loci were not clearly involved in the genetic control of the criteria studied in the present work. Despite the reasonable size of the population no QTL with interactive effects could be substantially established as measured. All computations were carried out using home-made programmes in Splus language, and these are available upon request. Received: 16 May 1999 / Accepted: 15 October 1999     

Chromosomal loci associated with endosperm hardness in a malting barley cross

A breeding objective for the malting barley industry is to produce lines with softer, plumper grain containing moderate protein content (9–12%) as they are more likely to imbibe water readily and contain more starch per grain, which in turn produces higher levels of malt extract. In a malting barley mapping population, ‘Arapiles’ × ‘Franklin’, the most significant and robust quantitative trait locus (QTL) for endosperm hardness was observed on the short arm of chromosome 1H, across three environments over two growing seasons. This accounted for 22.6% (Horsham 2000), 26.8% (Esperance 2001), and 12.0% (Tarranyurk 2001) of the genetic variance and significantly increased endosperm hardness by 2.06–3.03 SKCS hardness units. Interestingly, Arapiles and Franklin do not vary in Ha locus alleles. Therefore, this region, near the centromere on chromosome 1H, may be of great importance when aiming to manipulate endosperm hardness and malting quality. Interestingly, this region, close to the centromere on chromosome 1H, in our study, aligns with the region of the genome that includes the HvCslF9 and the HvGlb1 genes. Potentially, one or both of these genes could be considered to be candidate genes that influence endosperm hardness in the barley grain. Additional QTLs for endosperm hardness were detected on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 6H and 7H, confirming that the hardness trait in barley is complex and multigenic, similar to many malting quality traits of interest.     

AB-QTL analysis in spring barley: III. Identification of exotic alleles for the improvement of malting quality in spring barley (<Emphasis Type="Italic">H. vulgare</Emphasis> ssp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">spontaneum</Emphasis>)

Malting quality is genetically determined by the complex interaction of numerous traits which are expressed prior to and, in particular, during the malting process. Here, we applied the advanced backcross quantitative trait locus (AB-QTL) strategy (Tanksley and Nelson, Theor Appl Genet 92:191–203, 1996), to detect QTLs for malting quality traits and, in addition, to identify favourable exotic alleles for the improvement of malting quality. For this, the BC₂DH population S42 was generated from a cross between the spring barley cultivar Scarlett and the wild barley accession ISR42-8 (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum). A QTL analysis in S42 for seven malting parameters measured in two different environments yielded 48 QTLs. The exotic genotype improved the trait performance at 18 (37.5%) of 48 QTLs. These favourable exotic alleles were detected, in particular, on the chromosome arms 3HL, 4HS, 4HL and 6HL. The exotic allele on 4HL, for example, improved α-amylase activity by 16.3%, fermentability by 0.8% and reduced raw protein by 2.4%. On chromosome 6HL, the exotic allele increased α-amylase by 16.0%, fermentability by 1.3%, friability by 7.3% and reduced viscosity by 2.9%. Favourable transgressive segregation, i.e. S42 lines exhibiting significantly better performance than the recurrent parent Scarlett, was recorded for four traits. For α-amylase, fermentability, fine-grind extract and VZ45 20, 16, 2 and 26 S42 lines, respectively, surpassed the recurrent parent Scarlett. The present study hence demonstrates that wild barley does harbour valuable alleles, which can enrich the genetic basis of cultivated barley and improve malting quality traits.     

Mapping and validation of a major QTL for yellow pigment content on 7AL in durum wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum turgidum</Emphasis> L. ssp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">durum</Emphasis>)

Yellow pigment content in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) is an important criterion for both pasta bright yellow color and human health because of antioxidant properties of carotenoids involved in this pigmentation. In the present study, QTLs for yellow pigment content in durum wheat were mapped in a population of 140 RILs developed from a intraspecific cross between a released variety (PDW 233) and a landrace (Bhalegaon 4). This trait was evaluated in one location for 3 years and in two more locations for one additional year (five different year × location combinations further called “environments”). Yellow pigment content was highly heritable across the five different environments. Analysis of variance showed the significant effect of genotype, environment and genotype × environment interaction on the trait. Five different QTLs linked to yellow pigment content were identified on chromosome 1A, 3B, 5B, 7A and 7B across five different environments. The strongest one located on the distal part of the long arm of chromosome 7A, QYp.macs-7A, explained 55.22% of the variation in the trait, while, remaining four QTLs explained 5–8.75% of phenotypic variation in yellow pigment content. Marker analysis revealed significant association of one ISSR and one AFLP fragment with the trait. These two markers were linked to the major QTL QYp.macs-7A and were converted into SCAR markers. These SCAR markers were further validated on another population as well as 38 diverse genotypes so as to prove their potential in marker assisted selection. These markers will be very useful for the marker assisted breeding of durum wheat for higher yellow pigment content.     

Identification and stability of QTLs for fruit quality traits in apple

Breeding for fruit quality traits is complex due to the polygenic (quantitative) nature of the genetic control of these traits. Therefore, to improve the speed and efficiency of genotype selection, attention in recent years has focused on the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and molecular markers associated with these QTLs. However, despite the huge potential of molecular markers in breeding programmes, their implementation in practice has been limited by the lack of information on the stability of QTLs across different environments and within different genetic backgrounds. Here, we present the results from a comprehensive analysis of the inheritance of fruit quality traits within a population derived from a cross between the apple cultivars ‘Telamon’ and ‘Braeburn’ over two successive seasons. A total of 74 different QTLs were identified for all the major fruit physiological traits including fruit height, diameter, weight and stiffness, flesh firmness, rate of flesh browning, acidity, the oBrix content and harvest date. Seventeen of these QTLs were ‘major’ QTLs, accounting for over 20% of the observed population variance of the trait. However, only one third (26) of the identified QTLs were stable over both harvest years, and of these year-stable QTLs only one was a major QTL. A direct comparison with published QTL results obtained using other populations (King et al., Theor Appl Genet 102:1227–1235, 2001; Liebhard et al., Plant Mol Biol 52:511–526, 2003) is difficult because the linkage maps do not share a sufficient number of common markers and due to differences in the trait evaluation protocols. Nonetheless, our results suggest that for the six fruit quality traits which were measured in all populations, nine out of a total of 45 QTLs were common or stable across all population × environments combinations. These results are discussed in the framework of the development and application of molecular markers for fruit quality trait improvement.     

Fine Mapping QTL for Drought Resistance Traits in Rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.) Using Bulk Segregant Analysis

Drought stress is a major limitation to rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields and its stability, especially in rainfed conditions. Developing rice cultivars with inherent capacity to withstand drought stress would improve rainfed rice production. Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to drought resistance traits will help to develop rice cultivars suitable for water-limited environments through molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategy. However, QTL mapping is usually carried out by genotyping large number of progenies, which is labour-intensive, time-consuming and cost-ineffective. Bulk segregant analysis (BSA) serves as an affordable strategy for mapping large effect QTLs by genotyping only the extreme phenotypes instead of the entire mapping population. We have previously mapped a QTL linked to leaf rolling and leaf drying in recombinant inbred (RI) lines derived from two locally adapted indica rice ecotypes viz., IR20/Nootripathu using BSA. Fine mapping the QTL will facilitate its application in MAS. BSA was done by bulking DNA of 10 drought-resistant and 12 drought-sensitive RI lines. Out of 343 rice microsatellites markers genotyped, RM8085 co-segregated among the RI lines constituting the respective bulks. RM8085 was mapped in the middle of the QTL region on chromosome 1 previously identified in these RI lines thus reducing the QTL interval from 7.9 to 3.8 cM. Further, the study showed that the region, RM212–RM302–RM8085–RM3825 on chromosome 1, harbours large effect QTLs for drought-resistance traits across several genetic backgrounds in rice. Thus, the QTL may be useful for drought resistance improvement in rice through MAS and map-based cloning.     

AB-QTL analysis in winter wheat: I. Synthetic hexaploid wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">T. turgidum</Emphasis> ssp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">dicoccoides </Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">T. tauschii</Emphasis>) as a source of favourable alleles for milling and baking quality traits

The advanced backcross QTL (AB-QTL) strategy was utilised to locate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for baking quality traits in two BC₂F₃ populations of winter wheat. The backcrosses are derived from two German winter wheat cultivars, Batis and Zentos, and two synthetic, hexaploid wheat accessions, Syn022 and Syn086. The synthetics originate from hybridisations of wild emmer (T. turgidum spp. dicoccoides) and T. tauschii, rather than from durum wheat and T. tauschii and thus allowed for the first time to test for exotic QTL effects on wheat genomes A and B in addition to genome D. The investigated quality traits comprised hectolitre weight, grain hardness, flour yield Type 550, falling number, grain protein content, sedimentation volume and baking volume. One hundred and forty-nine SSR markers were applied to genotype a total of 400 BC₂F₃ lines. For QTL detection, a mixed-model ANOVA was conducted, including the effects DNA marker, BC₂F₃ line, environment and marker × environment interaction. Overall 38 QTLs significant for a marker main effect were detected. The exotic allele improved trait performance at 14 QTLs (36.8%), while the elite genotype contributed the favourable effect at 24 QTLs (63.2%). The favourable exotic alleles were mainly associated with grain protein content, though the greatest improvement of trait performance due to the exotic alleles was achieved for the traits falling number and sedimentation volume. At the QTL on chromosome 4B the exotic allele increased the falling number by 19.6% and at the QTL on chromosome 6D the exotic allele led to an increase of the sedimentation volume by 21.7%. The results indicate that synthetic wheat derived from wild emmer × T. tauschii carries favourable QTL alleles for baking quality traits, which might be useful for breeding improved wheat varieties by marker-assisted selection.     

土壤紧实度变化对小麦籽粒产量和品质的影响

以济南17(强筋品种)、烟农15(中筋品种)、鲁麦22(弱筋品种)为供试品种,设置人为碾压和不碾压2种处理,研究了土壤紧实度(以土壤容重表示)变化对不同类型小麦品种的籽粒产量和加工品质的影响。结果表明,随着土壤紧实度提高,3个品种的分蘖成穗率均显著降低,从而导致单位面积穗数和籽粒产量降低。3个品种相比较分蘖成穗率低的鲁麦22籽粒产量降幅最大。相关品质指标测定结果显示,提高土壤紧实度,对3个品种的蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、沉淀值和吸水率均无显著影响,但济南17的面筋指数明显降低,面团断裂时间和面团稳定时间显著缩短,单位重量面粉烘焙所得的面包体积变小,而烟农15和鲁麦22受影响较小。其原因可能与土壤紧实度提高条件下济南17籽粒中谷蛋白／醇溶蛋白比例和谷蛋白大聚体含量降低有关。将济南17面团流变学特性年际间变化幅度与紧实度变化的处理效应相比较发现,土壤紧实度是影响强筋小麦品种品质性状稳定性的重要因素之一。     

Detection of grain protein content QTLs across environments in tetraploid wheats

Grain protein content (GPC) is an important quality factor in both durum and bread wheats. GPC is considered to be a polygenic trait influenced by environmental factors and management practice. The objectives of this study were both to compare the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for GPC in a population of 65 recombinant inbred lines of tetraploid wheats evaluated in three locations for several years (eight data sets), and to investigate the genetic relationship among GPC and grain yield. QTLs were determined based on the Messapia × dicoccoides linkage map which covers 217 linked loci on the 14 chromosomes with 42 additional loci as yet unassigned to linkage groups. The map extends to 1352 cM; the average distance between adjacent markers was 6.3 cM. Seven QTLs for GPC, located on the chromosome arms 4BS, 5AL, 6AS (two loci), 6BS, 7AS and 7BS, were detected that were significant in at least one environment at P<0.001 or in at least two environments at P<0.01. One QTL was significant in all but one environment, two were significant in four or five environments, and four were significant in two out of eight environments. Six out of seven protein content QTLs had pleiotropic effects or were associated to QTLs for grain yield and explained the negative correlation among GPC and yield components. The present results support the concept that studies conducted in a single environment are likely to underestimate the number of QTLs that can influence a trait and that the phenotypic data for a quantitative trait should be collected over a range of locations to identify putative QTLs and determine their phenotypic effects.     

Study of the relationship between pre-harvest sprouting and grain color by quantitative trait loci analysis in a whitexred grain bread-wheat cross

In many wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing areas, pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) may cause important damage, and in particular, it has deleterious effects on bread-making quality. The relationship between PHS and grain color is well known and could be due either to the pleiotropic effect of genes controlling red-testa pigmentation (R) or to linkage between these genes and other genes affecting PHS. In the present work, we have studied a population of 194 recombinant inbred lines from the cross between two cultivars, ’Renan’ and ’Récital’, in order to detect QTLs for both PHS resistance and grain color. The variety ’Renan’ has red kernels and is resistant to PHS, while ’Récital’ has white grain and is highly susceptible to PHS. A molecular-marker linkage map of this cross was constructed using SSRs, RFLPs and AFLPs. The population was evaluated over 2 years at Clermont-Ferrand (France). PHS was evaluated on mature spikes under controlled conditions and red-grain color was measured using a chromameter. Over the 2 years, we detected four QTLs for PHS, all of them being co-localized with QTLs for grain color. Three of them were located on the long arm of chromosomes 3 A, 3B and 3D, close to the loci where the genes R and taVp1 were previously mapped. For these three QTLs, the resistance to PHS is due to the allele of the variety ’Renan’. Another co-located QTL for PHS and grain color was detected on the short arm of chromosome 5 A. The resistance for PHS for this QTL is due to the allele of ’Récital’. Received: 13 December 2000 / Accepted: 24 April 2001     

Identification of quantitative trait loci for agronomically important traits and their association with genic-microsatellite markers in sorghum

The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting agronomically important traits enable to understand their underlying genetic mechanisms and genetic basis of their complex interactions. The aim of the present study was to detect QTLs for 12 agronomic traits related to staygreen, plant early development, grain yield and its components, and some growth characters by analyzing replicated phenotypic datasets from three crop seasons, using the population of 168 F₇ RILs of the cross 296B × IS18551. In addition, we report mapping of a subset of genic-microsatellite markers. A linkage map was constructed with 152 marker loci comprising 149 microsatellites (100 genomic- and 49 genic-microsatellites) and three morphological markers. QTL analysis was performed by using MQM approach. Forty-nine QTLs were detected, across environments or in individual environments, with 1–9 QTLs for each trait. Individual QTL accounted for 5.2–50.4% of phenotypic variance. Several genomic regions affected multiple traits, suggesting the phenomenon of pleiotropy or tight linkage. Stable QTLs were identified for studied traits across different environments, and genetic backgrounds by comparing the QTLs in the study with previously reported QTLs in sorghum. Of the 49 mapped genic-markers, 18 were detected associating either closely or exactly as the QTL positions of agronomic traits. EST marker Dsenhsbm19, coding for a key regulator (EIL-1) of ethylene biosynthesis, was identified co-located with the QTLs for plant early development and staygreen trait, a probable candidate gene for these traits. Similarly, such exact co-locations between EST markers and QTLs were observed in four other instances. Collectively, the QTLs/markers identified in the study are likely candidates for improving the sorghum performance through MAS and map-based gene isolations.     

Novel and favorable QTL allele clusters for end-use quality revealed by introgression lines derived from synthetic wheat

Wheat quality is an important target trait. Previous studies mainly focus on storage protein, but their contribution to quality is partial, and most loci for quality are still undetected. Wild species of wheat are valuable resources for wheat improvement and introgression lines (ILs) are the ideal materials for detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL). In this study, a set of 82 BC5 F2-6 ILs, carrying a range of introgressed chromosome segments from a synthetic hexaploid wheat Am3 (Triticum carthlicum × Aegilops tauschii), was developed and genotyped with 170 microsatellite markers. QTL analysis was performed for 14 parameters, sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation volume, grain protein content (GPC), grain hardness and 11 mixograph parameters, associated with end-use quality of wheat, using the materials harvested in three environments. This led to the detection of 116 QTL, with c. 95% of the positive alleles contributed by Am3. Six important and novel genomic regions for bread-making quality were found on chromosomes 2D, 3A, 4A, 4B, 5A and 6A. These loci for bread-making quality showed pleiotropy and had large positive effects on several quality parameters with no or very weak negative effect on grain yield, thus demonstrating the value of synthetic wheat as a source of useful genetic variation for the improvement of bread wheat quality.     

Detection of QTLs for grain protein content in durum wheat

Grain protein content (GPC) of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) is an important trait for the nutritional value of grain and for influencing the technological property of flour. Protein content is a quantitative trait negatively correlated with grain yield, thus increase in protein quantity usually results in yield reduction. This study was initiated to introgress alleles for high GPC from var. dicoccoides into durum wheat germplasm by the backcross inbred line (BIL) method and to identify molecular markers linked to high GPC alleles not associated with depressing effects on yield. The backcross line 3BIL-85 with high GPC and similar grain yield to the recurrent parent was backcrossed to Latino, and the generations F₂, F₃ and F₄ were evaluated for GPC and yield per spike (GYS) in three field trials. Three QTLs with major effects on GPC were detected on chromosome arms 2AS, 6AS and 7BL, identified by the markers Xcfa2164, XP39M37 ₍₂₅₀₎ and Xgwm577 _, respectively. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the three QTLs explained all the genetic variances of the trait. The high GPC parental line 3BIL-85 was not significantly different from the recurrent parent Latino for GYS, but the phenotypic correlation coefficient between GPC and GYS had negative values (from −0.02 to −0.28) in each trial, although it was statistically significant only in the F3 progeny trial. No co-located QTL for GYS was detected, excluding the hypothesis that the putative QTLs for GPC were indirect QTLs for low grain yield. The negative protein-yield response could be due to: (a) co-location of grain yield per spike QTLs with reduced phenotypic effects not detectable by the experimental design or statistical procedures, or to (b) opposite pleiotropic gene effects due to the major bio-energetic requirements for synthesis of protein then carbohydrates. Mapping loci by BILs should enable the production of near-isogenic lines in which the individual effects of each QTL can be examined in detail without confounding variations due to other putative QTLs. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Molecular mapping of QTLs for Karnal bunt resistance in two recombinant inbred populations of bread wheat

Karnal bunt (KB) of wheat, caused by the fungus Tilletia indica, is a challenge to the grain industry, owing not to direct yield loss but to quarantine regulations that may restrict international movement of affected grain. Several different sources of resistance to KB have been reported. Understanding the genetics of resistance will facilitate the introgression of resistance into new wheat cultivars. The objectives of this study were to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with KB resistance and to identify DNA markers in two recombinant inbred line populations derived from crosses of the susceptible cultivar WH542 with resistant lines HD29 and W485. Populations were evaluated for resistance against the KB pathogen for 3 years at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Two new QTLs (Qkb.ksu-5BL.1 and Qkb.ksu-6BS.1) with resistance alleles from HD29 were identified and mapped in the intervals Xgdm116–Xwmc235 on chromosome 5B (deletion bin 5BL9-0.76-0.79) and Xwmc105–Xgwm88 on chromosome 6B (C-6BS5-0.76). They explained up to 19 and 13% of phenotypic variance, respectively. Another QTL (Qkb.ksu-4BL.1) with a resistance allele from W485 mapped in the interval Xgwm6–Xwmc349 on chromosome 4B (4BL5-0.86-1.00) and explained up to 15% of phenotypic variance. Qkb.ksu-6BS.1 showed pairwise interactions with loci on chromosomes 3B and 6A. Markers suitable for marker-assisted selection are available for all three QTLs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.