Wheat kernel dimensions: how do they contribute to kernel weight at an individual QTL level?

Kernel dimensions (KD) contribute greatly to thousand-kernel weight (TKW) in wheat. In the present study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for TKW, kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW) and kernel diameter ratio (KDR) were detected by both conditional and unconditional QTL mapping methods. Two related F(8:9) recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, comprising 485 and 229 lines, respectively, were used in this study, and the trait phenotypes were evaluated in four environments. Unconditional QTL mapping analysis detected 77 additive QTL for four traits in two populations. Of these, 24 QTL were verified in at least three trials, and five of them were major QTL, thus being of great value for marker assisted selection in breeding programmes. Conditional QTL mapping analysis, compared with unconditional QTL mapping analysis, resulted in reduction in the number of QTL for TKW due to the elimination of TKW variations caused by its conditional traits; based on which we first dissected genetic control system involved in the synthetic process between TKW and KD at an individual QTL level. Results indicated that, at the QTL level, KW had the strongest influence on TKW, followed by KL, and KDR had the lowest level contribution to TKW. In addition, the present study proved that it is not all-inclusive to determine genetic relationships of a pairwise QTL for two related/causal traits based on whether they were co-located. Thus, conditional QTL mapping method should be used to evaluate possible genetic relationships of two related/causal traits.     

Identifying loci influencing 1,000-kernel weight in wheat by microsatellite screening for evidence of selection during breeding

Chinese wheat mini core collection (262 accessions) was genotyped at 531 microsatellite loci representing a mean marker density of 5.1 cM. One-thousand-kernel weights (TKW) of lines were measured in five trials (three environments in four growing seasons). Structure analysis based on 42 unlinked SSR loci indicated that the materials formed two sub-populations, viz., landraces and modern varieties. A large difference in TKW (7.08 g, P<0.001) was found between the two sub-groups. Therefore, TKW is a major yield component that was improved in the past 6 decades; it increased from a mean 31.5 g in the 1940s to 44.64 g in the 2000s, representing a 2.19 g increase in each decade. Analyses based on a mixed linear model (MLM), population structure (Q) and relative kinship (K) revealed 22 SSR loci that were significantly associated with mean TKW (MTKW) of the five trials estimated by the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) method. They were mainly distributed on chromosomes of homoeologous groups 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. Six loci, cfa2234-3A, gwm156-3B, barc56-5A, gwm234-5B, wmc17-7A and cfa2257-7A individually explained more than 11.84% of the total phenotypic variation. Favored alleles for breeding at the 22 loci were inferred according to their estimated effects on MTKW based on mean difference of varieties grouped by genotypes. Statistical simulation showed that these favored alleles have additive genetic effects. Frequency changes of alleles at loci associated with TKW are much more dramatic than those at neutral loci between the sub-groups. The numbers of favored alleles in modern varieties indicate there is still considerable genetic potential for their use as markers for genome selection of TKW in wheat breeding. Alleles that can be used globally to increase TKW were inferred according to their distribution by latitude and frequency of changes between landraces and the modern varieties.     

Association mapping for pre-harvest sprouting resistance in white winter wheat

Association mapping identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and the markers linked to pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) resistance in an elite association mapping panel of white winter wheat comprising 198 genotypes. A total of 1,166 marker loci including DArT and SSR markers representing all 21 chromosomes of wheat were used in the analysis. General and mixed linear models were used to analyze PHS data collected over 4 years. Association analysis identified eight QTLs linked with 13 markers mapped on seven chromosomes. A QTL was detected on each arm of chromosome 2B and one each on chromosome arms 1BS, 2DS, 4AL, 6DL, 7BS and 7DS. All except the QTL on 7BS are located in a location similar to previous reports and, if verified, the QTL on 7BS is likely to be novel. Principal components and the kinship matrix were used to account for the presence of population structure but had only a minor effect on the results. Although, none of the QTLs was highly significant across all environments, a QTL on the long arm of chromosome 4A was detected in three different environments and also using the best linear unbiased predictions over years. Although previous reports have identified this as a major QTL, its effects were minor in our biparental mapping populations. The results of this study highlight the benefits of association mapping and the value of using elite material in association mapping for plant breeding programs.     

Genome-wide association mapping of yield and yield components of spring wheat under contrasting moisture regimes

Key message

A stable QTL that may be used in marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs was detected for yield, yield components and drought tolerance-related traits in spring wheat association mapping panel.

Abstract

Genome-wide association mapping has become a widespread method of quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification for many crop plants including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Its benefit over traditional bi-parental mapping approaches depends on the extent of linkage disequilibrium in the mapping population. The objectives of this study were to determine linkage disequilibrium decay rate and population structure in a spring wheat association mapping panel (n = 285–294) and to identify markers associated with yield and yield components, morphological, phenological, and drought tolerance-related traits. The study was conducted under fully irrigated and rain-fed conditions at Greeley, CO, USA and Melkassa, Ethiopia in 2010 and 2011 (five total environments). Genotypic data were generated using diversity array technology markers. Linkage disequilibrium decay rate extended over a longer genetic distance for the D genome (6.8 cM) than for the A and B genomes (1.7 and 2.0 cM, respectively). Seven subpopulations were identified with population structure analysis. A stable QTL was detected for grain yield on chromosome 2DS both under irrigated and rain-fed conditions. A multi-trait region significant for yield and yield components was found on chromosome 5B. Grain yield QTL on chromosome 1BS co-localized with harvest index QTL. Vegetation indices shared QTL with harvest index on chromosome 1AL and 5A. After validation in relevant genetic backgrounds and environments, QTL detected in this study for yield, yield components and drought tolerance-related traits may be used in marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs.     

春小麦千粒重相关性状的QTL定位及其耐热性分析

春小麦灌浆中后期正逢高温天气,适于发掘与耐高温相关的QTL.本研究利用春小麦Avocet/Sujata重组自交系群体,自2016-2018年在石家庄藁城区和天津两地4个环境下种植,进行千粒重(TKW)、粒长(KL)和粒宽(KW)等性状QTL定位,探讨这些QTL与灌浆期高温和品种适应性的关系.结果显示:在4个环境下共检测...     

Genetic analysis of grain protein-content,grain yield and thousand-kernel weight in bread wheat

Grain yield and grain protein content are two very important traits in bread wheat. They are controlled by genetic factors, but environmental conditions considerably affect their expression. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic basis of these two traits by analysis of a segregating population of 194 F(7) recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between two wheat varieties, grown at six locations in France in 1999. A genetic map of 254 loci was constructed, covering about 75% of the bread wheat genome. QTLs were detected for grain protein-content (GPC), yield and thousand-kernel weight (TKW). 'Stable' QTLs (i.e. detected in at least four of the six locations) were identified for grain protein-content on chromosomes 2A, 3A, 4D and 7D, each explaining about 10% of the phenotypic variation of GPC. For yield, only one important QTL was found on chromosome 7D, explaining up to 15.7% of the phenotypic variation. For TKW, three QTLs were detected on chromosomes 2B, 5B and 7A for all environments. No negative relationships between QTLs for yield and GPC were observed. Factorial Regression on GxE interaction allowed determination of some genetic regions involved in the differential reaction of genotypes to specific climatic factors, such as mean temperature and the number of days with a maximum temperature above 25 degrees C during grain filling.     

Association mapping of kernel size and milling quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Association mapping is a method for detection of gene effects based on linkage disequilibrium (LD) that complements QTL analysis in the development of tools for molecular plant breeding. In this study, association mapping was performed on a selected sample of 95 cultivars of soft winter wheat. Population structure was estimated on the basis of 36 unlinked simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The extent of LD was estimated on chromosomes 2D and part of 5A, relative to the LD observed among unlinked markers. Consistent LD on chromosome 2D was <1 cM, whereas in the centromeric region of 5A, LD extended for approximately 5 cM. Association of 62 SSR loci on chromosomes 2D, 5A, and 5B with kernel morphology and milling quality was analyzed through a mixed-effects model, where subpopulation was considered as a random factor and the marker tested was considered as a fixed factor. Permutations were used to adjust the threshold of significance for multiple testing within chromosomes. In agreement with previous QTL analysis, significant markers for kernel size were detected on the three chromosomes tested, and alleles potentially useful for selection were identified. Our results demonstrated that association mapping could complement and enhance previous QTL information for marker-assisted selection.     

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。     

Single nucleotide polymorphism tightly linked to a major QTL on chromosome 7A for both kernel length and kernel weight in wheat

Thousand-kernel weight (TKW) is one of the major components of grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Identifying major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for TKW and developing effective markers are prerequisite for success in marker-assisted selection (MAS) to improve wheat yield through breeding. This study mapped a major QTL, designated as TaTKW-7AL, for increasing TKW on the long arm of chromosome 7A of ‘Clark’ to a 1.3-cM interval between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers IWB13913 and IWA5913. This QTL explained 19.7 % of the phenotypic variation for TKW. A QTL for increasing kernel length (KL), one of the major components of TKW, was mapped in the same interval as TaTKW-7AL, suggesting that increased TKW by the QTL in ‘Clark’ is most likely due to the increased KL. Association analysis on a diversity panel of 200 US winter wheat accessions also identified a haplotype of three SNP markers (IWB13913, IWB6693 and IWA5913) that were tightly associated with the both KL and TKW. The analysis of allele frequencies of the haplotype in the diversity panel suggested that the favorable allele of TaTKW-7AL has not been strongly selected for in practice and has potential to be used to improve grain yield in US hard winter wheat breeding. Two user-friendly flanking KASPar markers, IWB13913 and IWA5913, were developed for MAS of TaTKW-7AL.     

Patterns of linkage disequilibrium and association mapping in diploid alfalfa (M. sativa L.)

Association mapping enables the detection of marker-trait associations in unstructured populations by taking advantage of historical linkage disequilibrium (LD) that exists between a marker and the true causative polymorphism of the trait phenotype. Our first objective was to understand the pattern of LD decay in the diploid alfalfa genome. We used 89 highly polymorphic SSR loci in 374 unimproved diploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes from 120 accessions to infer chromosome-wide patterns of LD. We also sequenced four lignin biosynthesis candidate genes (caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAoMT), ferulate-5-hydroxylase (F5H), caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and phenylalanine amonialyase (PAL 1)) to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and infer within gene estimates of LD. As the second objective of this study, we conducted association mapping for cell wall components and agronomic traits using the SSR markers and SNPs from the four candidate genes. We found very little LD among SSR markers implying limited value for genomewide association studies. In contrast, within gene LD decayed within 300 bp below an r (2) of 0.2 in three of four candidate genes. We identified one SSR and two highly significant SNPs associated with biomass yield. Based on our results, focusing association mapping on candidate gene sequences will be necessary until a dense set of genome-wide markers is available for alfalfa.     

Combined Haplotypes of CaSR Gene Sequence Variants and Their Associations with Growth Traits in Cattle

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a Class C G-protein coupled receptor that regulates food intake and assimilation. However, studies on the relationship between CaSR gene and growth traits in cattle are deficient. The aim of this study was to examine the association of the CaSR polymorphism with growth traits in cattle breeds. Four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and one previously reported SNP (NC_007299.5: g.67630865T>C, 67638409G>C, 67660395G>C, 67661546C>G, and 67661892A>C) were identified in the bovine CaSR gene using DNA sequencing and PCR-SSCP methods in 520 individuals from three representative breeds. The three SNP P4_2, P7_1, and P7_4 in LX, QC, and JX cattle populations belonged to intermediate genetic diversity (0.25?相似文献   

Variations and Transmission of QTL Alleles for Yield and Fiber Qualities in Upland Cotton Cultivars Developed in China

Cotton is the world’s leading cash crop, and genetic improvement of fiber yield and quality is the primary objective of cotton breeding program. In this study, we used various approaches to identify QTLs related to fiber yield and quality. Firstly, we constructed a four-way cross (4WC) mapping population with four base core cultivars, Stoneville 2B, Foster 6, Deltapine 15 and Zhongmiansuo No.7 (CRI 7), as parents in Chinese cotton breeding history and identified 83 QTLs for 11 agronomic and fiber quality traits. Secondly, association mapping of agronomical and fiber quality traits was based on 121 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers using a general linear model (GLM). For this, 81 Gossypium hirsutum L. accessions including the four core parents and their derived cultivars were grown in seven diverse environments. Using these approaches, we successfully identified 180 QTLs significantly associated with agronomic and fiber quality traits. Among them were 66 QTLs that were identified via linkage disequilibrium (LD) and 4WC family-based linkage (FBL) mapping and by previously published family-based linkage (FBL) mapping in modern Chinese cotton cultivars. Twenty eight and 44 consistent QTLs were identified by 4WC and LD mapping, and by FBL and LD mapping methods, respectively. Furthermore, transmission and variation of QTL-alleles mapped by LD association in the three breeding periods revealed that some could be detected in almost all Chinese cotton cultivars, suggesting their stable transmission and some identified only in the four base cultivars and not in the modern cultivars, suggesting they were missed in conventional breeding. These results will be useful to conduct genomics-assisted breeding effectively using these existing and novel QTL alleles to improve yield and fiber qualities in cotton.     

An introgression on wheat chromosome 4DL in RL6077 (Thatcher*6/PI 250413) confers adult plant resistance to stripe rust and leaf rust (Lr67)

Adult plant resistance (APR) to leaf rust and stripe rust derived from the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) line PI250413 was previously identified in RL6077 (=Thatcher*6/PI250413). The leaf rust resistance gene in RL6077 is phenotypically similar to Lr34 which is located on chromosome 7D. It was previously hypothesized that the gene in RL6077 could be Lr34 translocated to another chromosome. Hybrids between RL6077 and Thatcher and between RL6077 and 7DS and 7DL ditelocentric stocks were examined for first meiotic metaphase pairing. RL6077 formed chain quadrivalents and trivalents relative to Thatcher and Chinese Spring; however both 7D telocentrics paired only as heteromorphic bivalents and never with the multivalents. Thus, chromosome 7D is not involved in any translocation carried by RL6077. A genome-wide scan of SSR markers detected an introgression from chromosome 4D of PI250413 transferred to RL6077 through five cycles of backcrossing to Thatcher. Haplotype analysis of lines from crosses of Thatcher × RL6077 and RL6058 (Thatcher*6/PI58548) × RL6077 showed highly significant associations between introgressed markers (including SSR marker cfd71) and leaf rust resistance. In a separate RL6077-derived population, APR to stripe rust was also tightly linked with cfd71 on chromosome 4DL. An allele survey of linked SSR markers cfd71 and cfd23 on a set of 247 wheat lines from diverse origins indicated that these markers can be used to select for the donor segment in most wheat backgrounds. Comparison of RL6077 with Thatcher in field trials showed no effect of the APR gene on important agronomic or quality traits. Since no other known Lr genes exist on chromosome 4DL, the APR gene in RL6077 has been assigned the name Lr67.     

Identification of Associated SSR Markers for Yield Component and Fiber Quality Traits Based on Frame Map and Upland Cotton Collections

Detecting QTLs (quantitative trait loci) that enhance cotton yield and fiber quality traits and accelerate breeding has been the focus of many cotton breeders. In the present study, 359 SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers were used for the association mapping of 241 Upland cotton collections. A total of 333 markers, representing 733 polymorphic loci, were detected. The average linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay distances were 8.58 cM (r² > 0.1) and 5.76 cM (r² > 0.2). 241 collections were arranged into two subgroups using STRUCTURE software. Mixed linear modeling (MLM) methods (with population structure (Q) and relative kinship matrix (K)) were applied to analyze four phenotypic datasets obtained from four environments (two different locations and two years). Forty-six markers associated with the number of bolls per plant (NB), boll weight (BW), lint percentage (LP), fiber length (FL), fiber strength (FS) and fiber micornaire value (FM) were repeatedly detected in at least two environments. Of 46 associated markers, 32 were identified as new association markers, and 14 had been previously reported in the literature. Nine association markers were near QTLs (at a distance of less than 1–2 LD decay on the reference map) that had been previously described. These results provide new useful markers for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs and new insights for understanding the genetic basis of Upland cotton yields and fiber quality traits at the whole-genome level.     

Association between morphological traits and yield components in the durra sorghums of Ethiopia

The Ethio-Sudan region is recognized as the center of origin and diversity for cultivated sorghum. All major races of the crop are widely grown in Ethiopia with durras being dominant. The objective of the present study was to determine the extent of morphological variability among the Ethiopian durras and examine the pattern of relationships among these traits and their association with yield and yield components. Two hundred accessions collected from major sorghum-growing regions of the country were evaluated during the 2007 season at two locations representing hot and dry low land and mild mid-altitude environments. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Data were collected on phenology, plant height, a range of leaf traits and yield components. Significant variation was observed among all traits measured. Phenological traits and plant height were significantly correlated with each other and with all leaf traits. There was positive correlation among leaf traits, and between leaf traits and yield components except thousand kernel weight (TKW) and panicle length (PL). Grain fill duration was negatively correlated with all traits except days to maturity, TKW, and leaf length. Yield components except PL and TKW were positively correlated with each other. Selection that focuses on key yield components, larger leaf area, and on enhancing the grain filling rate by reducing excessive grain fill duration may contribute to yield improvement.     

Association of Agronomic Traits with SNP Markers in Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. durum (Desf.))

Association mapping is a powerful approach to detect associations between traits of interest and genetic markers based on linkage disequilibrium (LD) in molecular plant breeding. In this study, 150 accessions of worldwide originated durum wheat germplasm (Triticum turgidum spp. durum) were genotyped using 1,366 SNP markers. The extent of LD on each chromosome was evaluated. Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers with ten agronomic traits measured in four consecutive years was analyzed under a mix linear model (MLM). Two hundred and one significant association pairs were detected in the four years. Several markers were associated with one trait, and also some markers were associated with multiple traits. Some of the associated markers were in agreement with previous quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses. The function and homology analyses of the corresponding ESTs of some SNP markers could explain many of the associations for plant height, length of main spike, number of spikelets on main spike, grain number per plant, and 1000-grain weight, etc. The SNP associations for the observed traits are generally clustered in specific chromosome regions of the wheat genome, mainly in 2A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 1B, and 6B chromosomes. This study demonstrates that association mapping can complement and enhance previous QTL analyses and provide additional information for marker-assisted selection.     

草鱼野生与选育群体线粒体DNA控制区D-loop遗传变异分析

为探究经过2个选育世代后选育群体遗传多样性和遗传结构的变化, 研究对4个野生群体(邗江、九江、石首和吴江)和2个选育世代(F1和F2)进行了线粒体DNA控制区(D-loop)序列的遗传变异分析。实验结果表明, 4个野生群体在单倍型数目(H)、单倍型多样性(H_d)、核苷酸多样性(π)、平均核苷酸差异数(K)水平上均高于2个选育世代, 在2个选育世代内表现为F1代群体的核苷酸多样性(π)和平均核苷酸差异数(K)大于F2代群体, 但单倍型多样性(H_d)小于F2代群体; 单倍型分析结果表明, 6个群体间无共享单倍型, 4个野生群体间共发现2种共享单倍型(Hap1和Hap3), 石首群体和2个选育世代共享1种单倍型(Hap15); 遗传分化指数(F_st)分析结果表明, 邗江、九江、吴江3个野生群体和2个选育世代间存在较大的遗传分化(F_st范围为0.41475—0.55128), 石首群体与F1代群体之间存在较小的遗传分化, 与F2代群体之间存在中等水平的遗传分化, 同时F1代群体与F2代群体之间存在较小的遗传分化; 基于6个群体276个个体构建的邻接(Neighbor-Joining, NJ)进化树和基于27种单倍型构建的单倍型网络图也得到了相似的结论, 即邗江、九江、吴江3个野生群体和2个选育世代间的亲缘关系较远, 石首群体和2个选育世代两两之间的亲缘关系较近。以上结果表明, 经过2个世代的选择育种, 选育群体的遗传结构已发生了变化, 并且随着选育的进行, 选育世代的遗传多样性下降的较为明显, 这警示着我们在今后的育种工作中应适当改变现有的选育方案, 并实时监测选育群体的遗传多样性, 以便为今后进一步的选育工作打下坚实的基础。