Identification and characterization of large-effect quantitative trait loci for grain yield under lowland drought stress in rice using bulk-segregant analysis

An F_4:5 population of 490 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross Apo/^2*Swarna was used to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) with large effects on grain yield under drought stress using bulk-segregant analysis (BSA). Swarna is an important rainfed lowland rice variety grown on millions of hectares in Asia, but is highly susceptible to drought and aerobic soil conditions. Apo is an aerobic-adapted variety with moderate tolerance to drought. Two rice microsatellite (RM) markers, RM324, and RM416, located on chromosomes 2 and 3, respectively, were shown via BSA to be strongly associated with yield under lowland drought stress. The effects of these QTL were tested in a total of eight hydrological environments over a period of 3 years. The QTL linked to RM416 (DTY _3.1 ) had a large effect on grain yield under severe lowland drought stress, explaining about 31% of genetic variance for the trait (P < 0.0001). It also explained considerable variance for yield under mild stress in lowland conditions and aerobic environments. To our knowledge this is the first reported QTL that has a large effect on yield in both lowland drought and aerobic environments. The QTL linked to RM324 (DTY _2.1 ) had a highly significant effect on grain yield in lowland drought stress (R ² = 13–16%) and in two aerobic trials. The effect of these QTL on grain yield was verified to be not mainly due to phenology differences. Effects of DTY _3.1 on yield under stress have been observed in several other rice mapping populations studied at IRRI. Results of this study indicate that BSA is an effective method of identifying QTL alleles with large effects on rice yield under severe drought stress. The Apo alleles for these large-effect QTL for grain yield under drought and aerobic conditions may be immediately exploited in marker-assisted-breeding to improve the drought tolerance of Swarna.     

Detection of Fusarium head blight resistance QTLs using five populations of top-cross progeny derived from two-row × two-row crosses in barley

Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance was evaluated in five recombinant inbred (RI) populations. The RI populations consisted of top-cross progeny derived from a diallel set of crosses. Each of five two-row barley lines differing in response to FHB were crossed with ‘Harbin 2-row’. FHB severity was scored on an 11-point scale, where resistant = 0 and susceptible = 10, based on the ‘cut-spike test’. Disease data were obtained for each population for 2 or 3 years. Linkage maps comprised of expressed sequence tag (EST) markers were developed for each population and used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) detection. Thirty two QTLs were detected using all data sets (individual populations and years). Thirteen QTLs were detected using averages across years; 10 of these were consistent across the individual year and average data sets. These QTLs clustered at 14 regions, with clusters on all chromosomes. At 11 of these clusters, Harbin 2-row contributed FHB resistance alleles. No QTLs were detected near the row type (vrs1) locus in any of the five RI populations, suggesting that the FHB resistance QTL in this region reported in two-row × six-row crosses may be pleiotropic effect of vrs1. QTL were coincident with the flowering type locus (cly1/Cly2) on chromosome 2H in every population. Some QTL × QTL interactions were significant, but these were smaller than QTL main effects. Considering the pleiotropic effect of spike morphology on FHB resistance, future FHB resistance mapping efforts in barley should focus on cross combinations in which alleles at vrs1 are not segregating. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Integrated map of AFLP, SSLP and RFLP markers using a recombinant inbred population of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

 A molecular map of rice consisting of 231 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), 212 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), 86 simple-sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs), five isozyme loci, and two morphological mutant loci [phenol staining of grain (Ph), semi-dwarf habit (sd-1)] has been constructed using an F₁₁ recombinant inbred (RI) population. The mapping population consisted of 164 RI lines and was developed via single-seed descent from an intercross between the genetically divergent parents Milyang 23 (M) (tongil type) and Gihobyeo (G) ( japonica type). A subset of previously mapped RFLP and SSLP markers were used to construct the map framework. The AFLP markers were derived from ten EcoRI(+2) and MseI(+3) primer combinations. All marker types were well distributed throughout the 12 chromosomes. The integrated map covered 1814 cM, with an average interval size of 3.4 cM. The MG map is a cornerstone of the Korean Rice Genome Research Program (KRGRP) and is being continuously refined through the addition of partially sequenced cDNA markers derived from an immature-seed cDNA library developed in Korea, and microsatellite markers developed at Cornell. The population is also being used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and as the basis for marker-assisted variety development. Received: 24 June 1997 / Accepted: 25 November 1997     

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.     

Using molecular markers to identify two major loci controlling carotenoid contents in maize grain

Maize is an important source of pro-vitamin A; β-carotene, α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin, and the non-pro-vitamin A carotenoids including lutein and zeaxanthin. In the present study, a recombinant inbred (RI) population with 233 RI lines derived from a cross between By804 and B73 was employed to detect QTL for these nutritionally important components in maize grain. High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to measure amounts of individual carotenoids over 2 years. A genetic linkage map was constructed with 201 molecular markers. In all, 31 putative QTL including 23 for individual and 8 for total carotenoids were detected on chromosome(s) 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10. The notable aspect of this study was that much of the phenotypic variation in contents of carotenoids could be explained by two loci (y1 and y9), and the QTL for carotenoids elucidated the interrelationships among these compounds at the molecular level. A gene targeted marker (Y1ssr) in the candidate gene phytoene synthase 1 (psy1) tightly linked to a major QTL explaining 6.6–27.2% phenotypic variation for levels of carotenoids was identified, which may prove useful to expedite breeding for higher level of carotenoids in maize grain. This functionally characterized gene (psy1) could also be exploited for further development of functional marker for carotenoids in maize. The QTL cluster located at y9 locus may also be used for pyramiding favorable alleles controlling contents of carotenoids from diverse maize germplasm.     

Four rice QTL controlling number of spikelets per panicle expressed the characteristics of single Mendelian gene in near isogenic backgrounds

Development of quantitative trait loci (QTL) near isogenic lines is a crucial step to QTL isolation using the strategy of map-based cloning. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from two indica rice varieties, Zhenshan 97 and HR5, was employed to map QTL for spikelets per panicle (SPP). One major QTL (qSPP7) and three minor QTL (qSPP1, qSPP2 and qSPP3) were identified on chromosomes 7, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Four sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) BC₄F₂ targeted for the four QTL were developed by following a standard procedure of consecutive backcross, respectively. These QTL were not only validated in corresponding NILs, but also explained amounts of phenotypic variation with much larger LOD scores compared with those identified in RILs. SPP in the four QTL-NILs expressed bimodal or discontinuous distributions and followed the expected segregation ratio of single Mendelian factor by progeny test. Finally, qSPP1, qSPP2, qSPP3 and qSPP7 were respectively mapped to a locus, 0.5 cM from MRG2746, 0.6 cM from MRG2762, 0.8 cM from RM49 and 0.7 cM from MRG4436, as co-dominant markers on the basis of progeny tests. These results indicate no matter how small effect minor QTL is, QTL may still express the characteristics of single Mendelian factor in NILs and isolation of minor QTL will be possible using high quality NILs. Pyramiding these QTL into a variety will largely enhance rice grain yield.     

Large‐scale GWAS in sorghum reveals common genetic control of grain size among cereals

Grain size is a key yield component of cereal crops and a major quality attribute. It is determined by a genotype’s genetic potential and its capacity to fill the grains. This study aims to dissect the genetic architecture of grain size in sorghum. An integrated genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using a diversity panel (n = 837) and a BC‐NAM population (n = 1421). To isolate genetic effects associated with genetic potential of grain size, rather than the genotype’s capacity to fill the grains, a treatment of removing half of the panicle was imposed during flowering. Extensive and highly heritable variation in grain size was observed in both populations in 5 field trials, and 81 grain size QTL were identified in subsequent GWAS. These QTL were enriched for orthologues of known grain size genes in rice and maize, and had significant overlap with SNPs associated with grain size in rice and maize, supporting common genetic control of this trait among cereals. Grain size genes with opposite effect on grain number were less likely to overlap with the grain size QTL from this study, indicating the treatment facilitated identification of genetic regions related to the genetic potential of grain size. These results enhance understanding of the genetic architecture of grain size in cereal, and pave the way for exploration of underlying molecular mechanisms and manipulation of this trait in breeding practices.     

Fine mapping a QTL qCTB7 for cold tolerance at the booting stage on rice chromosome 7 using a near-isogenic line

Low temperature at the booting stage is a serious abiotic stress in rice, and cold tolerance is a complex trait controlled by many quantitative trait loci (QTL). A QTL for cold tolerance at the booting stage in cold-tolerant near-isogenic rice line ZL1929-4 was analyzed. A total of 647 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers distributed across 12 chromosomes were used to survey for polymorphisms between ZL1929-4 and the cold-sensitive japonica cultivar Towada, and nine were polymorphic. Single marker analysis revealed that markers on chromosome 7 were associated with cold tolerance. By interval mapping using an F₂ population from ZL1929-4 × Towada, a QTL for cold tolerance was detected on the long arm of chromosome 7. The QTL explained 9 and 21% of the phenotypic variances in the F₂ and F₃ generations, respectively. Recombinant plants were screened for two flanking markers, RM182 and RM1132, in an F₂ population with 2,810 plants. Two-step substitution mapping suggested that the QTL was located in a 92-kb interval between markers RI02905 and RM21862. This interval was present in BAC clone AP003804. We designated the QTL as qCTB7 (quantitative trait locus for cold tolerance at the booting stage on chromosome 7), and identified 12 putative candidate genes.     

Mapping of quantitative trait loci for kernel row number in maize across seven environments

Genetic factors controlling quantitative inheritance of grain yield and its components have been intensively investigated during recent decades using diverse populations in maize (Zea mays L.). Notwithstanding this, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel row number (KRN) with large and consistent effect have not been identified. In this study, a linkage map of 150 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci was constructed by using a population of 500 F2 individuals derived from a cross between elite inbreds Ye478 and Dan340. The linkage map spanned a total of 1478 cM with an average interval of 10.0 cM. A total of 397 F2:3 lines were evaluated across seven diverse environments for mapping QTL for KRN. Some QTL for grain yield and its components had previously been confirmed with this population across environments. A total of 13 QTL for KRN were identified, with each QTL explaining from 3.0 to 17.9% of phenotypic variance. The gene action for KRN was mainly additive to partial dominance. A large-effect QTL (qkrn7) with partial dominance effect accounting for 17.9% of the phenotypic variation for KRN was identified on chromosome 7 near marker umc1865 with consistent gene effect across seven diverse environments. This study has laid a foundation for map-based cloning of this major QTL and for developing molecular markers for marker-assisted selection of high KRN.     

A QTL for rice grain yield in aerobic environments with large effects in three genetic backgrounds

A large-effect QTL associated with grain yield in aerobic environments was identified in three genetic backgrounds, Apo/²*Swarna, Apo/²*IR72, and Vandana/²*IR72, using bulk-segregant analysis (BSA). Apo and Vandana are drought-tolerant aerobic-adapted varieties, while Swarna and IR72 are important lowland rice varieties grown on millions of hectares in Asia but perform poorly in aerobic conditions. Two closely linked rice microsatellite (RM) markers, RM510 and RM19367, located on chromosome 6, were found to be associated with yield under aerobic soil conditions in all three backgrounds. The QTL linked to this marker, qDTY6.1 (DTY, grain yield under drought), was mapped to a 2.2 cM region between RM19367 and RM3805 at a peak LOD score of 32 in the Apo/²*Swarna population. The effect of qDTY6.1 was tested in a total of 20 hydrological environments over a period of five seasons and in five populations in the three genetic backgrounds. In the Apo/²*Swarna population, qDTY6.1 had a large effect on grain yield under favorable aerobic (R ² ≤ 66%) and irrigated lowland (R ² < 39%) conditions but not under drought stress; Apo contributed the favorable allele in all the conditions where an effect was observed. In the Apo/IR72 cross, Apo contributed the favorable allele in almost all the aerobic environments in RIL and BC₁-derived populations. In the Vandana/IR72 RIL and BC₁-derived populations, qDTY6.1 had a strong effect on yield in aerobic drought stress, aerobic non-stress, and irrigated lowland conditions; the Vandana allele was favorable in aerobic environments and the IR72 allele was favorable in irrigated lowland environments. We conclude that qDTY6.1 is a large-effect QTL for rice grain yield under aerobic environments and could potentially be used in molecular breeding of rice for aerobic environments.     

QTL for nodal root angle in sorghum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis> L. Moench) co-locate with QTL for traits associated with drought adaptation

Nodal root angle in sorghum influences vertical and horizontal root distribution in the soil profile and is thus relevant to drought adaptation. In this study, we report for the first time on the mapping of four QTL for nodal root angle (qRA) in sorghum, in addition to three QTL for root dry weight, two for shoot dry weight, and three for plant leaf area. Phenotyping was done at the six leaf stage for a mapping population (n = 141) developed by crossing two inbred sorghum lines with contrasting root angle. Nodal root angle QTL explained 58.2% of the phenotypic variance and were validated across a range of diverse inbred lines. Three of the four nodal root angle QTL showed homology to previously identified root angle QTL in rice and maize, whereas all four QTL co-located with previously identified QTL for stay-green in sorghum. A putative association between nodal root angle QTL and grain yield was identified through single marker analysis on field testing data from a subset of the mapping population grown in hybrid combination with three different tester lines. Furthermore, a putative association between nodal root angle QTL and stay-green was identified using data sets from selected sorghum nested association mapping populations segregating for root angle. The identification of nodal root angle QTL presents new opportunities for improving drought adaptation mechanisms via molecular breeding to manipulate a trait for which selection has previously been very difficult.     

Development of Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines Derived from Backcross between Two Sequenced Rice Cultivars, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Indica</Emphasis> Recipient 93-11 and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Japonica</Emphasis> Donor Nipponbare

Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are powerful tools for detecting and precisely mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and evaluating gene action as a single factor. In this study, 103 CSSLs were produced using two sequenced rice cultivars: 93-11, an elite restorer indica cultivar as recipient, and Nipponbare, a japonica cultivar, as donor. Each CSSL carried a single chromosome substituted segment. The total length of the substituted segments in the CSSLs was 2,590.6 cM, which was 1.7 times of the rice genome. To evaluate the potential application of these CSSLs for QTL detection, phenotypic variations of seed shattering, grain length and grain width in 10 CSSLs were observed. Two QTLs for seed shattering and three for grain length and grain width were identified and mapped on rice chromosomes. The results demonstrate that CSSLs are excellent genetic materials for dissecting complex traits into a set of monogenic loci. These CSSLs are of great potential value for QTL mapping and plant marker-assisted breeding (MAB).     

Genome mapping of kernel characteristics in hard red spring wheat breeding lines

Kernel characteristics, particularly kernel weight, kernel size, and grain protein content, are important components of grain yield and quality in wheat. Development of high performing wheat cultivars, with high grain yield and quality, is a major focus in wheat breeding programs worldwide. Here, we report chromosome regions harboring genes that influence kernel weight, kernel diameter, kernel size distribution, grain protein content, and grain yield in hard red spring wheat breeding lines adapted to the Upper Midwest region of the United States. A genetic linkage map composed of 531 SSR and DArT marker loci spanned a distance of 2,505 cM, covering all 21 chromosomes of wheat. Stable QTL clusters influencing kernel weight, kernel diameter, and kernel size distribution were identified on chromosomes 2A, 5B, and 7A. Phenotypic variation explained by individual QTL at these clusters varied from 5 to 20% depending on the trait. A QTL region on chromosome 2B confers an undesirable pleiotropic effect or a repulsion linkage between grain yield (LOD = 6.7; R ² = 18%) and grain protein content (LOD = 6.2; R ² = 13.3%). However, several grain protein and grain yield QTL independent of each other were also identified. Because some of the QTL identified in this study were consistent across environments, DNA markers will provide an opportunity for increasing the frequency of desirable alleles through marker-assisted selection.     

Retracted: Screening of candidate genes and fine mapping of drought tolerance quantitative trait loci on chromosome 4 in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under drought stress

Due to severe water resource shortage, genetics of and breeding for DT (drought tolerance) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) have become one of the hot research topics. Identification of grain yield QTLs (quantitative trait loci) directly related to the DT trait of rice can provide useful information for breeding new drought‐resistant and water‐saving rice varieties via marker‐assisted selection. A population of 105 advanced BILs (backcross introgression lines) derived from a cross between Zhenshan97B and IRAT109 in Zhenshan97B background were grown under drought stress in a field experiment and phenotypic traits were investigated. The results showed that in the target interval of RM273‐RM255 on chromosome 4, three main‐effect QTLs related to panicle length, panicle number, and spikelet number per panicle were identified (LOD [logarithm of the odds] > 2.0). The panicle length‐related QTL had two loci located in the neighboring intervals of RM17308‐RM17305 and RM17349‐RM17190, which explained 18.80% and 20.42%, respectively, of the phenotypic variation, while the panicle number‐related QTL was identified in the interval of RM1354‐RM17308, explaining 11.47% of the phenotypic variation. As far as the spikelet number per panicle‐related QTL was concerned, it was found to be located in the interval of RM17308‐RM17305, which explained 28.08% of the phenotypic variation. Using the online Plant‐GE query system, a total of 13 matched ESTs (expressed sequence tags) were found in the target region, and of the 13 ESTs, 12 had corresponding predicted genes. For instance, the two ESTs CB096766 and CA765747 were corresponded to the same predicted gene LOC_Os04g46370, while the other four ESTs, CA754286, CB000011, CX056247, and CX056240, were corresponded to the same predicted gene LOC_Os04g46390.     

Identification of major quantitative trait loci qSBR11-1 for sheath blight resistance in rice

Sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is one of the important diseases of rice, resulting in heavy yield loss in rice every year. No rice line resistant to sheath blight has been identified till date. However, in some rice lines a high degree of resistance to R. solani has been observed. An indica rice line, Tetep, is a well documented source of durable and broad spectrum resistance to rice blast as well as quantitative resistance to sheath blight. The present study identified genetic loci for quantitative resistance to sheath blight in rice line Tetep. A mapping population consisting of 127 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between rice cultivars HP2216 (susceptible) and Tetep (resistant to sheath blight) was evaluated for sheath blight resistance and other agronomic traits for 4 years across three locations. Based on sheath blight phenotypes and genetic map with 126 evenly distributed molecular markers, a quantitative trait loci (QTLs) contributing to sheath blight resistance was identified on long arm of chromosome 11. Two QTL mapping approaches i.e., single marker analysis and composite interval mapping in multi environments were used to identify QTLs for sheath blight resistance and agronomical traits. The QTL qSBR11-1 for sheath blight resistance was identified between the marker interval RM1233 (26.45 Mb) to sbq33 (28.35 Mb) on chromosome 11. This region was further narrowed down to marker interval K39516 to sbq33 (~0.85 Mb) and a total of 154 genes were predicted including 11 tandem repeats of chitinase genes which may be responsible for sheath blight resistance in rice line Tetep. A set of 96 varieties and a F₂ population were used for validation of markers linked to the QTL region. The results indicate that there is very high genetic variation among varieties at this locus, which can serve as a starting point for allele mining of sheath blight resistance.     

Breeding strategies for optimum heading date using genotypic information in rice

Heading date (HD) is a key trait for the adaptation of rice cultivar to a specific growing region. Here, we report conventional and marker-assisted breeding strategies using genetic information related to the determination of HD, where the breeding objectives were to avoid the delayed heading common in indica × japonica hybrids, to increase the efficiency in selecting hybrid rice combinations having a suitable growth duration, and to develop cultivars with target growth duration by quantitative trait locus (QTL) pyramiding. The allelic constitution at the major HD loci was determined for a set of 109 leading Chinese rice cultivars by crossing them with HD tester lines. It was shown that the late heading in indica × japonica hybrids can be overcome by replacing the strong photoperiod-sensitivity allele Se-1 ⁿ with Se-1 ^e . A breeding strategy to enable the selection of hybrid combinations with suitable growth duration was proposed, based on HD genotypic information in rice. Meanwhile, a QTL analysis for HD was conducted over five years based on a recombinant inbred line population, derived from two parents Asominori (japonica) and IR24 (indica). Four QTLs, located on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, and 8, respectively, could be detected in all five years, indicating they were stably expressed QTL. According to this QTL information, and taking Asominori as an example, the HD genotypes for improving the growth duration were designed, and the best breeding selection schemes were determined by use of a genetic breeding simulation tool. Results obtained in this study demonstrate that genetic information related to HD can make a significant contribution to rice breeding.     

A new PCR-based marker on chromosome 4AL for resistance to pre-harvest sprouting in wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> L.)

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a complex trait controlled by multiple genes with strong interaction between environment and genotype that makes it difficult to select breeding materials by phenotypic assessment. One of the most important genes for pre-harvest sprouting resistance is consistently identified on the long arm of chromosome 4A. The 4AL PHS tolerance gene has therefore been targeted by Australian white-grained wheat breeders. A new robust PCR marker for the PHS QTL on wheat chromosome 4AL based on candidate genes search was developed in this study. The new marker was mapped on 4AL deletion bin 13-0.59-0.66 using 4AL deletion lines derived from Chinese Spring. This marker is located on 4AL between molecular markers Xbarc170 and Xwg622 in the doubled-haploid wheat population Cranbrook × Halberd. It was mapped between molecular markers Xbarc170 and Xgwm269 that have been previously shown to be closely linked to grain dormancy in the doubled haploid wheat population SW95-50213 × Cunningham and was co-located with Xgwm269 in population Janz × AUS1408. This marker offers an additional efficient tool for marker-assisted selection of dormancy for white-grained wheat breeding. Comparative analysis indicated that the wheat chromosome 4AL QTL for seed dormancy and PHS resistance is homologous with the barley QTL on chromosome 5HL controlling seed dormancy and PHS resistance. This marker will facilitate identification of the gene associated with the 4A QTL that controls a major component of grain dormancy and PHS resistance.     

Fine mapping of a major quantitative trait loci, qSSP7, controlling the number of spikelets per panicle as a single Mendelian factor in rice

In our previous studies, one putative QTL affecting number of spikelets per panicle (SPP) was identified in the pericentromeric region of rice chromosome 7 using a recombinant inbred population. In order to define the QTL (qSPP7), RI50, a recombinant inbred line with 70% of genetic background same as the female parent of Zhenshan 97, was selected to produce near-isogenic lines for the target region in the present study. In a BC₂F₂ population consisting of 190 plants, the frequency distribution of SPP was shown to be discontinuous and followed the expected Mendelian ratios (1:2:1 by progeny test) for single locus segregation. qSPP7 was mapped to a 0.4 cM region between SSR marker RM3859 and RFLP marker C39 based on tests of the BC₂F₂ population and its progeny. Its additive and dominant effects on SPP were 51.1 and 24.9 spikelets, respectively. Of great interest, the QTL region also had effects on grain yield per plant (YD), 1,000 grain weight (GW), tillers per plant (TPP) and seed setting ratio (SR). Significant correlations were observed between SPP and YD (r = 0.66) and between SPP and SR (r = −0.29) in the progeny test. 1082 extremely small panicle plants of a BC₃F₂ population containing 8,400 individuals were further used to fine map the QTL. It turns out that qSPP7 co-segregated with two markers, RM5436 and RM5499 spanning a physical distance of 912.4 kb. Overall results suggested that recombination suppression occurred in the region and positional cloning strategy is infeasible for qSPP7 isolation. The higher grain yield of Minghui 63 homozygote as compared to the heterozygote suggested that Minghui 63 homozygote at qSPP7 in hybrid rice could further improve its yield. Y. Z. Xing and W. J. Tang contributed equally to this work.     

Genetic analysis of the sugarcane (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharum</Emphasis> spp.) cultivar ‘LCP 85-384’. I. Linkage mapping using AFLP,SSR, and TRAP markers

Tef is a cereal crop of cultural and economic importance in Ethiopia. It is grown primarily for its grain though it is also an important source of fodder. Tef suffers from lodging that reduces both grain yield and quality. As a first step toward executing a marker-assisted breeding program for lodging resistance and grain yield improvement, a linkage map was constructed using 151 F₉ recombinant inbred lines obtained by single-seed-descent from a cross between Eragrostis tef and its wild relative Eragrostis pilosa. The map was primarily based on microsatellite (SSR) markers that were developed from SSR-enriched genomic libraries. The map consisted of 30 linkage groups and spanned a total length of 1,277.4 cM (78.7% of the genome) with an average distance of 5.7 cM between markers. This is the most saturated map for tef to date, and for the first time, all of the markers are PCR-based. Using agronomic data from 11 environments and marker data, it was possible to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling lodging, grain yield and 15 other related traits. The positive effects of the QTL identified from the wild parent were mainly for earliness, reduced culm length and lodging resistance. In this population, it is now possible to combine lodging resistance and grain yield using a marker-assisted selection program targeting the QTL identified for both traits. The newly developed SSR markers will play a key role in germplasm organization, fingerprinting and monitoring the success of the hybridization process in intra-specific crosses lacking distinctive morphological markers.     

Mapping quantitative trait loci for milling quality, protein content and color characteristics of rice using a recombinant inbred line population derived from an elite rice hybrid

Milling properties, protein content, and flour color are important factors in rice. A marker-based genetic analysis of these traits was carried out in this study using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from an elite hybrid cross ’Shanyou 63’, the most-widely grown rice hybrid in production in China. Correlation analysis shows that the traits were inter-correlated, though the coefficients were generally small. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis with both interval mapping (IM) and composite interval mapping (CIM) revealed that the milling properties were controlled by the same few loci that are responsible for grain shape. The QTL located in the interval of RM42-C734b was the major locus for brown rice yield, and the QTL located in the interval of C1087-RZ403 was the major locus for head rice yield. These two QTLs are the loci for grain width and length, respectively. The Wx gene plays a major role in determining protein content and flour color, and is modified by several QTLs with minor effect. The implications of the results in rice breeding were discussed. Received: 15 September 2000 / Accepted: 31 March 2001